At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production activities and ensure high-quality manufacturing processes.
- Company: Innovative tech firm known for cutting-edge imaging and sensing systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive continuous improvement and mentor talented teams.
- Why this job: Join a global leader and make a real impact in advanced technology.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing and strong understanding of operations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are working with a highly innovative and globally recognised advanced technology business that specialises in the design and manufacture of cutting edge imaging and sensing systems. Supplying into defence, security and industrial markets, the organisation is known for delivering high performance solutions in complex and demanding environments.
This is a senior leadership position responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, high quality and scalable production. You will oversee the full production lifecycle, from planning through to manufacturing, assembly and testing, while driving operational excellence and supporting future growth. You will play a key role in aligning production capability with business strategy, ensuring delivery targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.
- Production Leadership
- Lead daily production activities to achieve delivery, quality and efficiency targets
- Ensure manufacturing schedules meet customer demand
- Drive performance and accountability across production teams
- Support new product introduction into manufacturing
- Manufacturing and Operations
- Oversee end to end manufacturing operations
- Manage supplier coordination and purchasing activities
- Ensure effective use of ERP and MRP systems
- Monitor KPIs and implement improvements where needed
- Quality and Compliance
- Maintain compliance with quality, regulatory and health and safety standards
- Ensure adherence to ISO and customer requirements
- Support audit readiness and promote a culture of quality
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives
- Improve production flow, capacity utilisation and on time delivery
- Lead process improvements and support automation initiatives
- People Management
- Lead, mentor and develop production and operational teams
- Build a high performance and accountable working environment
- Promote strong communication and employee engagement
- Commercial and Strategic Contribution
- Contribute to operational strategy and long term planning
- Support cost control and margin improvement
- Align manufacturing capability with business and customer needs
Experience Required
- Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of production planning, supply chain and operations
- Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives
- Knowledge of quality systems and regulated environments
- Experience using ERP or MRP systems
- Strong leadership, communication and decision making skills
- Engineering or technical qualification
Head of Production & Manufacturing Excellence in Cambridge employer: Octagon Group
As a leader in advanced technology, this company offers an exceptional work environment in Cambridge, where innovation meets operational excellence. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises safety, quality, and continuous improvement, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to high performance and a collaborative atmosphere, this organisation is an ideal employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the defence, security, and industrial sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production & Manufacturing Excellence in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in production and operational excellence. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your leadership experience and continuous improvement initiatives clearly and confidently.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Production & Manufacturing Excellence in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Production role. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing and any continuous improvement initiatives you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for operational excellence and how your background aligns with our innovative approach in the advanced technology sector.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve driven performance and improved processes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Cambridge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octagon Group
✨Know Your Production Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the production lifecycle, from planning to testing. Brush up on your knowledge of lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives, as these will likely be key discussion points during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in a manufacturing environment. Think about times when you've successfully led teams, driven performance, or implemented continuous improvement initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can build a high-performance culture.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Quality Standards
Since quality and compliance are crucial for this role, ensure you understand ISO standards and other regulatory requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've maintained compliance in previous roles and how you would promote a culture of quality in the new position.
✨Align with Their Strategic Goals
Research the company’s operational strategy and long-term goals. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of cost control and margin improvement. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company's future.
