At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise production activities in a dynamic rail maintenance environment.
- Company: Inclusive company focused on growth and transformation in the transport sector.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the rail industry while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in production and a commitment to safety and quality.
Job Location: Cardiff
Salary: Negotiable
Duration: Permanent
Start Date: ASAP
Company Summary: From our facility in South Wales, we provide comprehensive services including vehicle overhauls, heavy maintenance, component repairs and system upgrades to a large proportion of the UK rail fleet. We have exciting plans to diversify into the wider transport market as part of our growth strategy. We are an open and inclusive place to work, where everyone is welcome and our people are supported to reach their full potential. We want to create an environment where our people can grow and succeed. This is key to enabling us to deliver on our ambition to grow our services and support the transformation happening across the Public Sector transport industry.
Position Summary: We are seeking a Head of Production to join our Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to the Managing Director, the post holder will lead and optimise all production activities across the site, including heavy maintenance (C4/C6, refresh and modifications) and trainborne equipment refurbishment. The role is accountable for operational performance, ensuring production is delivered safely, efficiently and in full compliance with regulatory, customer and business requirements, while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Responsibilities Include:
- Safety & Ethics: Support the SHEQ strategy and ensure compliance with Rail safety and compliance policies.
- Delivery & Excellence: Deliver high-quality, on-time and on-budget production outputs, driving efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Operational Leadership: Provide strategic leadership of all production activities, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, cost and schedule requirements.
- People: Lead, develop and motivate production teams, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and a culture of accountability and collaboration.
- Performance & Improvement: Set and monitor KPIs, manage resources and budgets, and apply lean and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance performance.
- Collaboration & Customers: Work closely with engineering and support functions and act as the senior operational contact for customers.
Person Profile:
- Safety & Ethics: Support the SHEQ strategy and ensure compliance with Rail safety and compliance policies.
- Delivery & Excellence: Deliver high-quality, on-time and on-budget production outputs, driving efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Operational Leadership: Provide strategic leadership of all production activities, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, cost and schedule requirements.
- People: Lead, develop and motivate production teams, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and a culture of accountability and collaboration.
- Performance & Improvement: Set and monitor KPIs, manage resources and budgets, and apply lean and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance performance.
- Collaboration & Customers: Work closely with engineering and support functions and act as the senior operational contact for customers.
Head of Production in Cardiff employer: Shorterm Group
As a leading provider of comprehensive rail services in Cardiff, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where every employee is encouraged to reach their full potential. Our commitment to employee growth, coupled with our exciting plans for diversification into the wider transport market, makes us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the public sector transport industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production in Cardiff
✨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 Shorterm Group, 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 Cardiff
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 Shorterm Group 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 Shorterm Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Shorterm Group, 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 Shorterm Group 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.
