At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead end-to-end production for exciting cosmetics and fragrance launches.
- Company: Fast-moving cosmetics and fragrance business with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape production processes.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are valued; all backgrounds encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Take ownership in a fast-paced environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in production management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Up to £60,000 DOE
St Albans
We're on the hunt for a Head of Production to lead end-to-end production for a fast-moving cosmetics and fragrance business, working across a large range of cosmetics and personal care launches. From initial product specification right through to the finished article, you and your team will own every stage of the production lifecycle, building strong relationships with factories and suppliers around the world, while working closely with internal teams. You'll take real ownership of the critical path, balancing launch dates, retailer commitments, and factory capacity to make sure the right products reach retailers’ shelves on time and to spec.
It's a role for a strategic, proactive and detail-oriented production leader who thrives under pressure and loves getting ahead of problems before they happen. If this sounds like you, get in touch!
What you'll be doing
- Owning the end-to-end production process for multiple product launches at any one time, ensuring everything is on time, to quality standards, and within agreed budget
- Building and maintaining the critical path for every launch, setting realistic milestones across samples, licensor approvals, testing, and production
- Spotting potential risks early, putting solutions and contingencies in place before they hit agreed launch dates
- Prioritising across a large, fast-moving range, balancing launch dates, agreed retailer on-floor dates, and factory capacity
- Keeping internal teams and external partners updated on schedules and changes, escalating any issues to senior management
- Building strong relationships with factories and suppliers, managing their performance on lead times, quality, communication and cost
- Working closely with the Compliance team to ensure every product meets regulatory and safety requirements, and testing and certification is completed on time
- Monitoring product costs, highlighting opportunities to save without compromising quality or licensor requirements
- Setting clear quality standards with suppliers, resolving any sampling or inspection issues ahead of bulk production
- Making sure every licensed product is manufactured in line with licensor guidelines and approval processes
- Owning the accuracy of the product database and production trackers, keeping specifications, costs, packaging details and approvals up to date
- Mentoring and developing the Product Development team, driving continuous improvement across production operations
What you'll bring
- Demonstrated experience leading production and critical path management for multi-SKU product launches, ideally within consumer products, cosmetics, personal care, or FMCG
- Experience working with licensed products and managing licensor approvals highly desirable
- A strong track record managing supplier relationships, including performance, cost & capacity
- A strategic, solutions-focused mindset, confident spotting risks early and presenting options, not just problems
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to juggle and prioritise a large, fast-moving portfolio under pressure
- A good understanding of compliance, testing, and regulatory requirements across global markets
- Excellent attention to detail and the organisational rigour to keep complex information accurate and up to date
- Strong leadership skills, with experience managing, mentoring and developing a team
Why join
This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced production leader to take real ownership in a fast-paced business, with genuine scope to shape how production runs and drive it forward. If you love product, are a proactive problem-solver, and thrive turning complexity into a well-oiled process, we'd love to hear from you.
Diversity & Inclusion
ILMJ values diversity, equality and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and identities.
Head of Productions - Toiletries & fragrance employer: I Love My Job Ltd.
I Love My Job Ltd. offers an exciting opportunity for a Junior Packaging Designer in the vibrant setting of Richmond, where creativity and collaboration are at the heart of our culture. With a focus on employee growth, you will gain hands-on experience working on diverse projects that reach real customers, all while being part of a supportive team that values innovation and quick thinking. Join us to thrive in a dynamic environment that encourages your passion for design and fosters your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Productions - Toiletries & fragrance
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like I Love My Job Ltd., apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Productions - Toiletries & fragrance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to I Love My Job Ltd. specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at I Love My Job Ltd.
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with I Love My Job Ltd., brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like I Love My Job Ltd. value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
