Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a world-class manufacturing team for Lotus sports cars.
- Company: Lotus Cars is a historic manufacturer evolving into a global electric performance brand.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company car scheme, 25 vacation days, performance bonuses, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team driving high-quality production in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical/Production Engineering; experience in automotive assembly and lean environments required.
- Other info: Based in Hethel, Norfolk; relocation packages may be discussed.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Lotus Cars builds world-class, high-performance, and lightweight sports cars sold globally. Lotus Cars Limited is the manufacturing site in the UK, producing models such as the Emira and Evija. We are seeking a Production Director for our manufacturing plant in Hethel to lead and develop our manufacturing team. Summary: Responsible for vehicle production at Hethel, collaborating with the Production Director at the chassis assembly facility to develop a world-class manufacturing team that builds Lotus sports cars. The role supports the development of strategies aligned with Vision 80 and beyond, driving activities to achieve world-class manufacturing and efficient production systems. Key focus on delivering high-quality products on time and within budget, with continuous process and efficiency improvements, while maintaining high health and safety standards. Working as part of Lotus to support company objectives annually. What you\’ll do: Develop future manufacturing strategies supporting Vision 80. Develop leadership and succession plans to foster a high-performance culture. Implement strategic objectives supporting operations and Vision 80. Ensure a safe, environmentally compliant working environment. Manage departmental KPIs and develop gap closure plans. Support internal and external audits to prevent non-conformities. Ensure production readiness for launches and ramp-up phases. Achieve manufacturing volumes, improve efficiency, and ensure quality. Ensure vehicle builds comply with legal and regulatory standards. Manage daily manufacturing operations efficiently. Develop and control manufacturing budgets, seeking cost savings without compromising quality. Collaborate with other directors on strategic initiatives. Manage performance and training of manufacturing staff. Continuously improve manufacturing procedures and standards. Present to various business levels as required. What you\’ll bring: Essential criteria: Degree/MBA/HNC in Mechanical & Production Engineering or equivalent. Experience in automotive low to mid-volume assembly operations. Lean environment experience. Strong communication skills. Continuous improvement and problem-solving training. Understanding of health, safety, and environmental standards. Experience with high-quality processes and products. Skills and Aptitudes: Attention to detail and hands-on when needed. Strategic thinking with a proactive attitude. Excellent interpersonal skills and influence. Collaborative team player across functions. Automotive OEM experience, preferably in operations or production. Personal Attributes: Motivated and success-driven. Persistent, energetic, and results-oriented. Adaptable to change and complexity. Confident with natural authority. Inspirational leadership qualities. Commercially aware. High personal and professional integrity. Accountable and responsible. What we offer: Company car scheme (Volvo or Mercedes). 25 vacation days plus bank holidays. Performance bonus scheme. Future-proof pension scheme. Private healthcare coverage. Additional Information: Based at Hethel, Norfolk. Travel expenses not covered; relocation packages may be discussed. About Lotus: Group Lotus is a historic sports car manufacturer, evolving into a global electric performance brand with models like the Eletre and Emeya. Our UK sites in Hethel, Norwich, and Warwick support a diverse, inclusive workforce committed to innovation and excellence. Join us and be part of our pioneering journey. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Contact Detail:
Group Lotus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lotus Cars' Vision 80 strategy. Understanding their long-term goals will help you align your experience and ideas with their vision, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Lotus Cars, especially those in production roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in automotive manufacturing, particularly in lean operations and high-quality processes. Demonstrating your knowledge of industry advancements can set you apart during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in a manufacturing environment. Highlighting your leadership style and achievements will showcase your fit for the Production Director role.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in automotive production and leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in improving efficiency and quality, as well as any experience with lean manufacturing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your skills and experiences to the specific requirements of the Production Director role. Mention your understanding of Vision 80 and how you can contribute to achieving its objectives.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've developed high-performance teams and implemented strategic initiatives in previous roles. Highlight your ability to manage KPIs and improve processes.
Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Include insights about the automotive industry, particularly in low to mid-volume assembly operations. Show your familiarity with health, safety, and environmental standards relevant to manufacturing.
How to prepare for a job interview at Group Lotus
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Production Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to developing high-performance cultures and succession planning.
✨Understand Manufacturing Strategies
Familiarise yourself with Lotus Cars' Vision 80 and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to future manufacturing strategies. Highlight your experience in lean environments and how you've implemented strategic objectives in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health, safety, and environmental standards in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding and experience in maintaining compliance. Share specific instances where you've improved safety protocols or addressed non-conformities.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Collaboration is key in this position. Think about how you've worked with other departments or directors on strategic initiatives. Be ready to share examples that showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to influence others positively.
