At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production operations and drive performance in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Oxford Instruments, a leader in scientific and technological innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible benefits, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of advanced manufacturing and lead transformative change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and lean practices required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we are driving the next phase of growth in the rapidly expanding high-volume manufacturing (HVM) market for compound semiconductors. Building on our strong foundation in the research sector, we are scaling our operations to meet increasing global demand — and that is where you come in. We are seeking a Head of Production to play a critical leadership role in our Operational Excellence journey, transforming our Production, Supply Chain, Stores and Dispatch functions to support sustainable growth, improved customer outcomes and world‑class manufacturing performance.
The Opportunity: This is a senior leadership role accountable for delivering safe, reliable, high‑quality and cost‑effective manufacturing performance in a complex, high‑technology environment. You will lead end‑to‑end production operations, driving performance across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP) metrics, while building leadership capability, improving production flow and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. As part of the Operations leadership team, you will also play a key role in strategy deployment, cross‑functional alignment and scaling manufacturing capability to support future growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Leadership & Delivery: Lead Production, Stores and Dispatch with clear priorities, strong communication and visible leadership. Own production planning and execution to meet monthly and annual delivery commitments. Ensure a safe working environment with full compliance to HSE standards.
- People & Capability Development: Build, coach and develop high‑performing teams, including line managers and technical specialists. Identify capability gaps and drive succession planning, hiring and skills development. Foster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
- Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Drive lean manufacturing and CI initiatives to improve flow, efficiency and scalability. Reduce waste across materials, processes and systems, supporting high‑volume manufacturing readiness. Use SQCDP metrics and data insights to prioritise and deliver improvement initiatives.
- Cost, Quality & Performance: Deliver margin improvement through control of labour, rework, scrap, overtime and WIP. Improve product quality through robust root cause analysis and corrective actions. Standardise processes and systems to drive consistency and efficiency.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Commercial teams. Support New Product Introduction (NPI), ensuring manufacturability and production readiness. Lead pre‑production builds and ensure smooth transition into full‑scale manufacture.
About You: You are an experienced and credible manufacturing leader with a track record of delivering results in complex, high‑technology environments. Proven experience leading production or operations teams at scale. Strong background in lean manufacturing, problem solving and continuous improvement. Skilled in developing leaders and building high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary teams. Commercially aware, able to balance cost, quality, delivery and long‑term performance. Data‑driven, with experience using ERP and production systems to inform decisions. Confident decision‑maker, comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment. Collaborative and influential, with the ability to drive alignment across functions. Experience in semiconductor, precision engineering, vacuum, plasma or capital equipment manufacturing would be highly advantageous.
Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or equivalent practical experience).
Why Join Us? At Oxford Instruments, you’ll be part of a business at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. Our tools enable breakthroughs at micro‑and nano‑scale across a wide range of industries. We offer: 25 days holiday + half‑day Fridays, share incentive plan, pension and flexible benefits, a collaborative, supportive environment with strong work‑life balance.
If you’re ready to lead transformation, scale operations and shape the future of advanced manufacturing, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now.
Head of Production in Bristol employer: Oxford Instruments
At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment that prioritises work-life balance. As the Head of Production, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives in a cutting-edge high-technology setting, while benefiting from generous holiday allowances, a share incentive plan, and robust professional development opportunities. Join us to be part of a team that is at the forefront of scientific innovation and dedicated to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production in Bristol
✨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 Oxford Instruments, 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 Production in Bristol
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 Oxford Instruments 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 Oxford Instruments
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Oxford Instruments, 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 Oxford Instruments 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.
