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 health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to operational excellence and innovation.
- 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 Reading 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 and a collaborative work culture, we offer extensive benefits including a contributory pension scheme, annual performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment. Located in a thriving sector, our commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement ensures that every team member plays a vital role in making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Director in Reading
✨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 researching Welland Medical’s products and values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for improving lives through innovative medical solutions. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! As a Production Director, you’ll need to showcase your ability to lead teams and drive continuous improvement. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully implemented Lean methodologies or improved operational performance in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Welland Medical. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Director in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Director role. Highlight your experience in senior production leadership and any specific achievements in Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement that align with what Welland Medical is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell your story! Share why you're passionate about improving lives through innovative products and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Welland Medical. Don’t forget to mention your leadership style and how you drive operational excellence.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in high-volume manufacturing environments. Use metrics to demonstrate your success in improving OEE, quality, and delivery performance. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Welland Medical team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Welland Medical Ltd
✨Know Your Lean Manufacturing Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Lean Manufacturing principles and tools. Be ready to discuss how you've applied techniques like value stream mapping or 5S in previous roles. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, especially in a multi-shift environment. Highlight your experience in developing Shift Managers and building leadership capability. This is crucial for a senior role like Production Director.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some real-world problems during the interview. Think about past challenges you've faced in production and how you used root-cause analysis or A3 problem-solving to overcome them. This will demonstrate your practical expertise in Continuous Improvement.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with Welland Medical's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goal of enhancing lives through innovative products. Showing genuine interest in their mission can set you apart from other candidates.
