Head of Production

3 weeks ago

Reading Berkshire, United Kingdom Overwatch Group Full time

Head of Production

Location: West Reading

On site working

Salary dependant on experience

About the job : Overwatch Aerospace is a modern British UAV business developing innovative products for complex commercial and defence operations. We rapidly make a difference for our clients and our team has had unprecedented success with its initial capabilities which are deployed in the most challenging environments in the world.

We are now recruiting into the team that will build the next generation of agile, intelligent, and autonomous uncrewed platforms.

Joining Overwatch will provide you with the opportunity to be a part of a successful business that is still at the start of its growth journey. We will provide you with challenges in one of the most compelling UK engineering sectors and offer you the opportunity to see your work directly influence the future of human machine teaming.

Role Summary

As the Head of Production at Overwatch, you will be responsible for overseeing and optimising the entire production process. You will ensure that all manufacturing activities align with the company’s strategic objectives, meet the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance, and deliver products on time and within budget. You will lead a team of skilled engineers, technicians and production staff to drive continuous improvement, innovation and operational excellence in a highly regulated and mission-critical environment.

Responsibilities:

Production Management:

  • Oversee the entire production process, from planning to execution, ensuring efficient use of resources to meet production targets.
  • Develop and implement production schedules, work orders and timelines to ensure timely delivery of products.
  • Ensure compliance with all industry standards, defence regulations, and quality assurance protocols.

Leadership & Team Development:

  • Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing production team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with HR to recruit, train and retain top talent in engineering, manufacturing and production roles.

Process Optimisation & Continuous Improvement:

  • Identify areas for process improvement and implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or other methodologies to enhance production efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive data-driven decision-making and optimise production operations.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

  • Ensure all products meet stringent quality standards and sector regulations.
  • Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to identify and resolve any quality issues or non-conformances.

Budgeting & Cost Management:

  • Develop and manage the production budget, ensuring that operations remain cost-effective while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Monitor expenses, forecast production costs and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising on quality or safety.

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE):

  • Ensure that all production activities adhere to HSE regulations and company policies.
  • Promote a safe working environment, conducting regular safety audits and addressing any potential hazards promptly.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Work closely with other departments such as R&D, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and Project Management to ensure alignment of production goals with overall company objectives.
  • Collaborate with the sales and customer service teams to meet customer requirements and expectations.

Stakeholder Management:

  • Liaise with key stakeholders, including government agencies, defence contractors and suppliers, to ensure seamless production and delivery of defence products.
  • Represent the company in client meetings, industry forums, and regulatory inspections.

Experience:

  • Mechanical & Electrical manufacturing process experience essential.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in production management within the engineering or manufacturing sector, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Experience in the defence sector or a highly regulated industry is highly desirable.
  • Experience in uncrewed aerial and/or ground systems is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Extensive knowledge of production planning, process optimisation and quality control methodologies.
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • In-depth understanding of defence or uncrewed sector regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Proficiency in production management software and tools.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Agile, team player mindset comfortable operating in an evolving SME within a dynamic industry.
  • Interest in future/rapidly evolving technology and able to assimilate new information quickly.

Certifications :

  • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent certifications are a plus.
  • Experience in Defence Industry regulations or compliance (e.g. ITAR) is desirable.

Disclaimer: Due to the nature of our work applicants will be subject to enhanced checks regards nationality and eligibility for UK Security Clearance.

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