At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Welland Medical, a leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, pension scheme, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to operational excellence and quality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in manufacturing leadership.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and proven senior production leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About Welland Medical Ltd: Welland Medical brings to market the best and most innovative products that enhance the lives of people living with a stoma across the world. Investing in the most talented people, collaborating to create world-class, ground-breaking products and services devoted to improving peoples’ lives. We are passionate about making a difference in the world. Welland Medical is a part of Clinimed Holdings Limited, a prominent figure in the Healthcare and Medical Equipment sector.
Job Summary: Senior manufacturing leadership role responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, cost-effective production performance across a 24/7 multi-shift operation. The position leads production, Continuous Improvement and operational excellence initiatives, driving improvements in OEE, quality, delivery and cost through Lean Manufacturing and structured CI methodologies. The role also provides leadership to Shift Managers, supports site expansion projects, and contributes to strategic and operational planning as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Benefits:
- Company Car / Car Allowance
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Medical Cash Back Plan
- Life Assurance (4 x Annual Gross)
- Annual Performance Bonus
- Annual Pay Review
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Free Yearly Flu Vaccination
- Discounts on Selected Products and Services
- Employee Assistance Programme – Health and Wellbeing
- Annual Leaves - 25 Days Per Year Rising to 27 Days After 5 Years Service in Addition to Bank Holidays and An Extra Company Day (And Christmas Shutdown)
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
- Deliver weekly and monthly production plans on time, in full, and at standard cost.
- Lead site-wide Continuous Improvement activity by setting the CI agenda, prioritising the improvement pipeline, and driving execution through two CI Experts.
- Build a fully integrated improvement programme by partnering cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality teams.
- Translate the agreed production schedule into effective shift-level sequencing and execution plans through the Planning function.
- Lead, coach and hold accountable four Shift Managers to deliver operational excellence.
- Drive performance against key manufacturing metrics, including OEE, first-pass yield, scrap and rework.
- Reduce customer complaint rates through robust root-cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions at source.
- Own the Machine Setter competency framework and develop shopfloor capability to support operational performance and flexibility.
- Partner with QARA to strengthen quality performance, maintain audit readiness, and ensure timely CAPA closure.
- Maintain accountability for safety performance across the entire production operation.
- Ensure full compliance with GMP and ISO 13485 standards within the manufacturing environment.
- Support site capacity expansion projects, including new production line commissioning and operational ramp-up.
- Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to site strategy, operational planning, and capital investment decisions.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Units produced versus production plan, by shift
- On-time delivery performance against schedule
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by line and shift
- Labour cost per unit, overtime utilisation, and agency labour spends
- First-pass yield, scrap, and rework performance rates
Personal Specifications:
Essential:
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, ideally with a specialisation in Manufacturing and Operations Management.
- Proven senior production leadership experience within demanding, high-volume, cost-focused manufacturing environments.
- Extensive experience leading complex 24/7 multi-shift manufacturing operations of comparable scale (150+ FTE), with full accountability for output, cost, quality and delivery performance across all shifts.
- Strong practical expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles and tools, including value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, SMED, visual management, line balancing and pull systems.
- Deep working knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies, including Kaizen, A3 problem solving, root-cause analysis and structured shopfloor CI deployment.
- Demonstrated success delivering significant improvements in OEE, quality and operational performance through effective Lean and CI implementation.
- Strong people leadership capability, with experience developing Shift Managers and building leadership capability and succession strength across multi-shift operations.
- Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt certification, or equivalent demonstrable capability in operational improvement leadership.
- Experience leading manufacturing capacity expansion projects, including new production line commissioning and ramp-up.
Desirable:
- Experience operating within regulated manufacturing sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food, automotive or aerospace.
- Direct experience within medical device manufacturing environments.
- Working knowledge of ISO 13485 requirements and standards.
- Exposure to Toyota Production System (TPS) and/or World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodologies.
- Proven track record leading Continuous Improvement teams and embedding CI as a core line-management discipline rather than a standalone support function.
Production Director in Portsmouth employer: Welland Medical Ltd
Welland Medical Ltd is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with a stoma through innovative healthcare solutions. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and comprehensive benefits including a contributory pension scheme and annual performance bonuses, Welland Medical fosters an environment where talent thrives. Located in a dynamic sector, employees have the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that prioritises health and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Director in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at Welland Medical or similar companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Lean Manufacturing principles and Continuous Improvement methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of OEE and quality metrics, as these will likely come up. Show us how you’ve successfully implemented these strategies in past roles!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. This shows initiative and keeps you on our radar. We love candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills! Prepare examples of how you’ve developed teams and driven operational excellence in previous positions. We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire, so make sure your passion for improving lives shines through!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Director in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Director role. Highlight your experience in high-volume manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Welland Medical.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about improving lives through innovative products. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and Continuous Improvement in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your achievements where possible! Use metrics to demonstrate how you've improved OEE, reduced costs, or enhanced quality in past positions. Numbers speak volumes and help us see the impact you've made.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Welland Medical Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Lean Manufacturing principles and Continuous Improvement methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of OEE, first-pass yield, and root-cause analysis. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you’re the right fit for a senior production leadership role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific instances where you’ve developed Shift Managers or driven operational excellence. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others in a multi-shift operation.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, like improving production metrics or managing a capacity expansion project. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills and experience.
✨Align with Their Values
Welland Medical is passionate about making a difference. Be prepared to discuss why you’re interested in their mission and how your values align with theirs. Showing genuine enthusiasm for improving lives through innovative products can set you apart from other candidates.
