At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing operations while ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join Halma plc, a leader in fire safety solutions with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a focus on safety and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Operations Management and experience in production leadership.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to operational excellence and safety.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
The Head of Production will be responsible for leading all aspects of our manufacturing operations — ensuring that production output, quality, safety, and delivery targets are consistently met. This role requires a hands‑on, strategic leader who can drive operational excellence, implement continuous improvement initiatives including design for manufacture and lean manufacturing principles, while ensuring that our production processes meet the highest standards of quality and compliance expected in the fire safety industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & People Management
- Play a vital role within the Operations leadership team, providing challenge and support to ensure we meet our targets.
- Lead, motivate, and develop a multi‑disciplinary production team to achieve performance goals.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Implement clear KPIs for productivity, quality, efficiency, and safety.
- Collaborate with People & Culture on workforce planning, training, and succession development.
- Production Operations
- Oversee all day‑to‑day manufacturing operations across multiple production lines and facilities.
- Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Optimize resource allocation, equipment utilisation, and workflow to maximise output.
- Ensure adherence to ISO 9001 and relevant industry certifications (e.g., BSI, LPCB, UL, CE, UKCA).
- Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve operational issues and improve process performance.
- Continuous Improvement & Efficiency
- Lead Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen initiatives to drive efficiency and reduce waste.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and product consistency.
- Use data and KPIs to drive performance improvements and strategic decision‑making.
- Future Factory planning – oversee implementation of new technology, machinery, or automation projects.
- Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
- Ensure a safe working environment through strict adherence to HSE standards and procedures.
- Promote safety awareness and behaviour throughout the production team.
- Lead incident investigations and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Planning & Coordination
- Collaborate with Planning, Procurement, and Logistics to ensure materials availability and on‑time delivery.
- Contribute to the company’s operational planning and capacity strategy.
- Support new product introductions by ensuring smooth transition from R&D to full‑scale production.
Essential: Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management.
- Demonstrable experience in a senior production or operations leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience managing production teams in a safety‑critical or regulated industry.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Demonstrable experience delivering improvements in productivity, efficiency, and quality.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Desirable
- Experience in high‑volume manufacturing.
- Experience in multi‑site, international manufacturing.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
- Understanding of regulatory and certification standards such as BSI, LPCB, UL, FM, CE, or UKCA.
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
Key Competencies
- Strategic and operational leadership.
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
- Ability to inspire, engage, and develop teams.
- Results‑driven with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management abilities.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.
If you’re excited by this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you! Please tell us about yourself by uploading your CV.
Head of Production in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Halma plc
Contact Detail:
Halma plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Production role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Halma plc and their production processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and driven operational excellence in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Production in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Production role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing operations, leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate how you've improved productivity, quality, or safety in your previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can make.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible and avoid jargon that might confuse us. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halma plc
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Halma plc's operations and their approach to manufacturing. Familiarise yourself with their production processes, safety standards, and any recent news or innovations they've introduced. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Production, leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, implemented continuous improvement initiatives, or driven operational excellence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health, safety, and compliance in the fire safety industry, be ready to discuss how you've prioritised these aspects in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you've improved safety standards or navigated regulatory challenges, demonstrating your commitment to creating a safe working environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about Halma plc's future projects, their approach to lean manufacturing, or how they foster a culture of continuous improvement. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.