Production Lead

Key Responsibilities include but not limited to:

The Production Lead will report to the Operations Manager and will oversee and coordinate all aspects of production related to a specific customer account, ensuring seamless communication, production efficiency, and customer satisfaction. This individual will manage a cross-functional team of manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, machine operators, and assembly operators to deliver on-time and right-first time (RFT) products. The Production Lead will be responsible for planning, scheduling, health and safety, quality improvement, and KPI reporting while ensuring alignment with company objectives and customer requirements.

• Production Planning Execution

• Develop, implement, and manage detailed production schedules for machines, personnel, and work centres.
• Ensure resources (personnel, tools, machines) are optimized to meet production requirements.
• Complete capacity planning exercises at tactical operational levels.
• Maintain a focus on reducing WIP and managing lead times above standard.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure OTD is maintained.
• Manage ERP system transactions to always ensure data accuracy.

• Lead a team comprising manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, machine operators, and assembly operators.
• Align team efforts with production goals, including OTD (on-time delivery) and RFT (right-first time).
• Facilitate cross-functional communication and ensure accountability for meeting deadlines and standards.
• Lead daily shift meetings to review previous performance and discuss the plan moving forward.

• Monitor and improve production line efficiency through collaboration with manufacturing and quality engineers.
• Ensure MRB processing time is achieved with parts dispositioned within 7 days.
• Oversee inspection workload and ensure each department is right sized to meet customer demand.
• Implement and enforce health and safety protocols, ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Drive 5S initiatives to create and sustain an organised and efficient workplace.

• Monitor and report KPIs, including OTD, RFT, productivity, and WIP metrics.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives targeting quality, efficiency, and delivery performance.
• Maintain team boards to track progress, share updates, and promote transparency.

Qualifications

• Experience Education: Bachelors degree in engineering, or 5+ years in similar role.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a leadership or planning role. Previous experience in the aerospace industry or similar manufacturing industry.
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher. Project Management Qualification.
• Skills: Proficiency in ERP systems for scheduling and inventory control. Excellent communication and leadership skills. Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on data-driven decision-making. Health Safety Management Certification (e.g., IOSH). Training in quality tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Statistical Process Control (SPC) covered under six sigma green belt.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-Time Delivery (OTD) Percentage.
• Right-First-Time (RFT) Rate.
• WIP Levels (measured against standard lead times).
• Non-conformance Rate and Corrective Action Closure Rate.
• Health Safety Incident Rate.
• 5S Audit Scores.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• 31 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years service).
• Health cash plan.
• Life Assurance Scheme at x2 gross salary.
• Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay.
• Wellbeing Initiatives.
• Service Awards.
• Local charity / sponsorship activities.
• Employee Treat Days.
• Dedicated employee parking.
• Additional holidays.
• Medical Aid / Health Care gym subsidy.
• Free parking.
• Free Uniform.