Production Director in Walsall

Your new company: This is a new and exciting permanent opportunity for this well-known industry leader in high-integrity fabrication, welding, tube manipulation & machining. Established in 1974 and based in the West Midlands, this company maintains a wealth of knowledge and experience manufacturing for the following industries: Power generation, petrochemical, oil & gas, process plant, environmental & nuclear. They have 8 purpose-built manufacturing workshops that cover over 80,000 sqft, of which 10,000 sqft is a dedicated clean conditions area. Each shop is equipped with overhead cranes ranging from 5 tonnes to 100 tonne lifting capacity. They are accredited to ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001 and also hold BS EN 1090 pt. 2 (execution of steel structures) and an array of ASME stamps that include U, S, PP & R. They have also recently been recognised as fit for nuclear, an in-depth programme that identifies whether a company has the right procedures, personnel & skills for the UK’s civil nuclear programme. This dedication to quality control & assurance enhances their presence and reputation when manufacturing heat exchangers, pressure vessels, pipework, burners, ducting, tanks, silos & structural.

Your new role: They are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Production (Fabrication) to join their senior management team. This is a new role aimed at strengthening their organisational structure and supporting their future growth. The successful candidate will oversee the production department, ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the fabrication workshops.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead a team of production staff, including a Human Resource Assistant, Production Planner, Production Manager, 4/5 Supervisors, and approximately 70 workshop operatives.
• Provide leadership and guidance to ensure the team meets production objectives.
• Oversee and manage the production workflow, ensuring work packages are processed through the workshops in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ensure that production targets and hours are met.
• Oversee resources within the workshops, including platers, fitters, tube manipulators, welders, operatives, and apprentices.
• Ensure that all roles are adequately staffed and resourced.
• Ensure smooth workshop load planning, resource allocation, and project plans.
• Monitor workshop capacities to ensure deadlines are met, and production targets are achieved.
• Take ownership of training and succession planning for all staff.
• Ensure the development of the team through ongoing training and mentorship.
• Assist in onboarding new starters and apprentices.
• Advise and control tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
• Ensure that all production processes meet industry standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Take responsibility for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
• Monitor and enforce health and safety policies and procedures.

What you’ll need to succeed:

The ideal candidate could be an experienced Production Director with knowledge and experience in a senior management position within a fabrication or manufacturing SME. Or you may be currently in a manager-level role who is looking for the next step-up in their career and is willing to learn.

Key skills and experience required include:

• Strong background in fabrication and welding, with experience in tube and plate fabrication work.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Excellent leadership and man-management skills, with a track record of leading large, diverse teams.
• Strong knowledge of production processes and workshop operations, including load planning, resource allocation, and project management.
• Ability to work autonomously and use initiative to solve problems and drive improvements.
• Experience liaising with customers, managing relationships, and delivering customer satisfaction.
• Strong understanding of quality control processes and health & safety regulations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to promote teamwork and collaboration across departments.

What you’ll get in return:

This role is an onsite role 5 days a week and, as such, you will be entitled to a competitive salary along with 26 days' holiday (plus bank holidays) and a company pension.