Head of Production

Halma plc, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom Head of Production Role OverviewThe Head of Production will be responsible for leading all aspects of our manufacturing operations — ensuring that production output, quality, safety, and delivery targets are consistently met. This role requires a hands‑on, strategic leader who can drive operational excellence, implement continuous improvement initiatives including design for manufacture and lean manufacturing principles, while ensuring that our production processes meet the highest standards of quality and compliance expected in the fire safety industry. Key Responsibilities Leadership & People Management Play a vital role within the Operations leadership team, providing challenge and support to ensure we meet our targets. Lead, motivate, and develop a multi‑disciplinary production team to achieve performance goals. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Implement clear KPIs for productivity, quality, efficiency, and safety. Collaborate with People & Culture on workforce planning, training, and succession development. Production Operations Oversee all day‑to‑day manufacturing operations across multiple production lines and facilities. Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards. Optimize resource allocation, equipment utilisation, and workflow to maximise output. Ensure adherence to ISO 9001 and relevant industry certifications (e.g., BSI, LPCB, UL, CE, UKCA). Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain to resolve operational issues and improve process performance. Continuous Improvement & Efficiency Lead Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen initiatives to drive efficiency and reduce waste. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and product consistency. Use data and KPIs to drive performance improvements and strategic decision‑making. Future Factory planning – oversee implementation of new technology, machinery, or automation projects. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Ensure a safe working environment through strict adherence to HSE standards and procedures. Promote safety awareness and behaviour throughout the production team. Lead incident investigations and corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Planning & Coordination Collaborate with Planning, Procurement, and Logistics to ensure materials availability and on‑time delivery. Contribute to the company’s operational planning and capacity strategy. Support new product introductions by ensuring smooth transition from R&D to full‑scale production. Essential: Qualifications & Experience Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management. Demonstrable experience in a senior production or operations leadership role within a manufacturing environment. Proven experience managing production teams in a safety‑critical or regulated industry. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies. Demonstrable experience delivering improvements in productivity, efficiency, and quality. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Desirable Experience in high‑volume manufacturing. Experience in multi‑site, international manufacturing. Working knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. Understanding of regulatory and certification standards such as BSI, LPCB, UL, FM, CE, or UKCA. Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification. Key Competencies Strategic and operational leadership. Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills. Ability to inspire, engage, and develop teams. Results‑driven with a focus on continuous improvement. Excellent organisational and time‑management abilities. Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance. If you’re excited by this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you Please tell us about yourself by uploading your CV. #J-18808-Ljbffr