Therole:
Lead Manufacturing Excellence Across a Growing Engineering Business
SES Manufacturing is seeking an exceptional Head of Production to lead manufacturing operations across two Midlands-based production facilities.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director and forming a key part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will be accountable for manufacturing performance, operational excellence, production planning, continuous improvement, digital transformation, capital investment and the development of high-performing operational teams.
This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished manufacturing leader who thrives on transformation, enjoys building capability through others, and has a proven track record of driving operational performance within complex engineering and regulated manufacturing environments.
What you'll be doing:
As Head of Production, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across both manufacturing sites, ensuring the safe, efficient and profitable delivery of customer requirements while supporting the company's ambitious growth strategy.
You will lead through Factory Managers and their leadership teams, establishing world-class manufacturing standards, embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and delivering measurable improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People performance.
The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with strong shop-floor credibility, capable of leading transformational change while remaining closely connected to day-to-day operational performance.
Manufacturing Leadership
- Lead all manufacturing operations across two Midlands facilities.
- Manage, coach and develop Factory Managers and their leadership teams.
- Build organisational capability, succession plans and leadership strength throughout the production function.
- Create a culture of ownership, accountability, safety and operational excellence.
Operational Excellence
- Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy aligned to business objectives.
- Lead the deployment and continual evolution of the company's Production System.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement activities across all operations.
- Establish robust digitally-enabled KPI frameworks covering Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, People, Productivity.
- Drive sustainable improvements in productivity, throughput, customer service and profitability.
Operations Planning & Execution
- Lead integrated production and operational planning processes.
- Ensure effective capacity planning, labour planning and resource utilisation.
- Align manufacturing operations with customer demand and business growth requirements.
- Improve planning accuracy, schedule adherence and operational execution.
Manufacturing Transformation
- Lead large-scale manufacturing transformation programmes.
- Champion digital manufacturing initiatives, automation and Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Improve operational visibility through data, systems integration and performance analytics.
- Establish scalable manufacturing processes capable of supporting future growth.
Capital Investment & Automation
- Develop and manage strategic CAPEX investment plans.
- Build robust business cases for equipment, facility and automation investments.
- Lead major investment projects from concept through implementation and benefit realisation.
- Ensure investments deliver tangible improvements in safety, quality, productivity and capacity.
Continuous Improvement
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- Embed Lean thinking and problem-solving methodologies throughout the business.
- Lead value-stream improvement initiatives and waste elimination programmes.
- Drive measurable improvements in operational performance and manufacturing cost competitiveness.
- Create a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of daily operations.
What you will bring:
- Minimum 15 years' manufacturing leadership experience within complex engineering or industrial environments.
- Significant experience leading multi-site manufacturing operations.
- Proven deployment of a structured Production System across multiple facilities.
- Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement.
- Demonstrable success leading large-scale manufacturing transformation programmes.
- Significant experience implementing digital manufacturing and automation solutions.
- Strong commercial, financial and strategic planning capability.
- Experience leading through Factory Managers and senior operational leadership teams.
- Strong commercial, financial and strategic planning capability.
- Degree / Masters qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Preferred Sector Experience
Candidates will ideally bring experience from one or more of the following sectors:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Nuclear / NQA-1 Manufacturing
- Defence Manufacturing
- Advanced Engineering
- Highly Regulated Manufacturing Environments
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
- A visible and inspirational manufacturing leader.
- Equally comfortable in the boardroom and on the shop floor.
- Strategic in outlook with strong operational execution capability.
- Passionate about developing people and creating high-performing teams.
- Data-driven, passionate about digital solutions and focused on delivery.
- Resilient, pragmatic and action-oriented.
- Experienced in leading change and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
Why Join SES Manufacturing?
This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a growing manufacturing business.
You will have the autonomy, support and influence to deliver meaningful operational improvements, drive manufacturing transformation, develop future leaders and establish best-in-class manufacturing performance across our operations.
For an ambitious manufacturing leader seeking the opportunity to make a lasting impact, this role offers an exceptional platform to do so.
What WeWill Offer you:
- Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
- Flexible working.
- Car allowance/company car (subject to role and grade).
- Travel covered to our sites in line with company policy.
- Extensive corporate benefits including private medical cover, pension with 6% employer contribution, health and wellbeing support, 26 days' holiday plus bank holidays and much more.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities to support your career progression.
- Industry-leading family leave benefits, including 26 weeks' fully paid maternity leave and 12 weeks' fully paid paternity leave.
Our commitments:
SES is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.
We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at recruitment@ses-ltd.co.uk
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Head of Production in Coventry employer: SES
SES Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to clear progression pathways and the opportunity to work on prestigious projects that enhance your skills and career. Our commitment to diversity and support ensures that every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production in Coventry
✨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 SES, 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!
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 SES 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 SES
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with SES, 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 SES 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.
