At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the production team for the E-7 programme, ensuring effective delivery and workforce alignment.
- Company: STS Aviation Services is a top UK provider of aircraft maintenance and modification services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with no travel required and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team, drive performance, and make a real impact in the aerospace sector.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in aerospace, with 3+ years in management; strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Other info: Must be eligible for UK Baseline Personnel Security Standard clearance.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Department: Military Programmes
Reporting To: Program Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Travel Required: No
Role Description
STS Aviation Services is hiring a Head of Production to oversee and manage company personnel assigned to support the E-7 programme. This leadership role focuses on workforce planning, alignment, and daily coordination to ensure effective delivery against operational milestones. You will serve as the central link between company leadership, internal teams, and customer stakeholders, ensuring personnel are resourced, prepared, and positioned for success. This position does not carry direct accountability for program-level deliverables but plays a critical role in maintaining production readiness, resolving workforce-related issues, and driving performance consistency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the STS workforce assigned to the E-7 programme, overseeing staffing, onboarding, task alignment, performance, and development.
- Ensure all personnel are trained, resourced, and aligned to programme milestones and production schedules.
- Collaborate with programme leadership, production teams, and customer stakeholders to support integration and execution.
- Serve as a key point of contact for all workforce-related matters within the production flow.
- Oversee Quality Inspection activities and ensure integrity of production output aligns with customer expectations and regulatory standards.
- Coordinate personnel activities across multiple teams to drive consistency, issue resolution, and workforce effectiveness.
- Establish regular dialogue with customer representatives to promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
- Manage production risks and ensure contingency planning to protect schedule integrity.
- Coordinate E-7 onboarding processes and recruitment efforts in partnership with internal teams.
- Identify and deploy resources with the necessary skills, training, and certifications to meet production goals, including managing third-party suppliers and subcontractors as needed.
- Provide leadership, motivation, and direction to all assigned staff while monitoring team performance.
- Build customer relationships and ensure high levels of satisfaction throughout programme delivery.
- Promote and foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the aerospace sector, with at least 3 years in a management role.
- Strong working knowledge of Production Methodology and Reporting Metrics.
- Demonstrated understanding of Part-145 regulatory compliance and operational structures.
- Proven leadership capability and ability to motivate and manage teams across multiple disciplines.
- High-level communication skills—verbal, written, and presentational—across all organisational levels.
- Experience in process improvement and workforce planning.
- Strong awareness of safety management principles.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Must be eligible for UK Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
Education & Training
- Diploma or Degree in Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Team Leadership.
- Completion of an Aerospace Engineering Apprenticeship or equivalent technical pathway.
- Recognised training in Production or Operations Management (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen) is highly desirable.
- Leadership and supervisory training, including modules in performance coaching, conflict resolution, and team management.
Critical Success Factors
- Production Performance: Drives on-time and quality delivery through effective workforce oversight.
- Resource Planning: Aligns staffing with scheduled production milestones.
- Audit Compliance: Ensures full readiness for quality and safety audits.
- Customer Satisfaction: Earns consistent positive feedback on professionalism and integration.
- Employee Engagement: Supports high morale and retention through clear leadership and communication.
- Utilisation Efficiency: Ensures correct skillset deployment and training compliance.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Resolves issues swiftly and keeps all stakeholders aligned.
- Workforce Stability: Minimises disruptions and maintains delivery momentum.
About STS Aviation Services
STS Aviation Services is the UK’s leading provider of aircraft maintenance and modification services. With operations at multiple UK locations, we support both commercial and military aviation clients with a comprehensive range of MRO services. Join us and help keep the skies safe and operational.
Head of Production employer: STS Technical Services
Contact Detail:
STS Technical Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the aerospace sector, especially those who have experience in production management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at STS Aviation Services.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the E-7 programme and its operational milestones. Understanding the specifics of this programme will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage teams across multiple disciplines. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully resolved workforce-related issues in the past, as this is a key aspect of the Head of Production role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research STS Aviation Services' recent projects and achievements. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your conversations and show that you're aligned with their goals and values, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Production
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the aerospace sector, particularly any management roles. Emphasise your leadership capabilities and specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Head of Production role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the E-7 programme and how your skills can contribute to its success. Mention your experience with production methodologies and your ability to manage teams effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: In your application, clearly outline your educational background and any relevant certifications, such as NVQs or training in Production Management. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your readiness for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since high-level communication is crucial for this position, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully communicated across different organisational levels. This could include leading meetings, presenting to stakeholders, or resolving conflicts.
How to prepare for a job interview at STS Technical Services
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Production, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or driven performance improvements. Highlight how you motivate and engage your team to achieve production goals.
✨Understand Production Methodology
Familiarise yourself with key production methodologies relevant to the aerospace sector, such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in previous roles to enhance efficiency and quality in production processes.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Compliance Questions
Given the importance of Part-145 regulatory compliance in this role, brush up on your knowledge of relevant regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions and how you would approach it in the context of the E-7 programme.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial for this role, especially when liaising with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a few scenarios where your communication skills led to successful outcomes in team coordination or customer relations.