Head of Production Operations

Company Overview Our client is a long-established and innovative Large Format Print company, with a proud reputation for quality, speed of service, and exceptional personal touch. Expertise includes delivering high-quality printed graphics, managing complex and specialist projects, executing global rollouts, and overseeing expert installations for prestigious clients in a diverse range of business sectors. The team, clients and suppliers are at the heart of the business. Care, respect and collaboration is prioritised in everything doe, ensuring a supportive and friendly work environment. This business continuously adapts and invests in the latest technology, whilst committing to progressive sustainability targets to help shape the future of the industry. Position Overview The Head of Production Operations will play a pivotal leadership role within the business, overseeing all aspects of our client’s Large Format Production facilities and ensuring the seamless delivery of exceptional printed products and services. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role will be responsible for driving operational excellence, production efficiency, quality standards and team performance across production, logistics and installation departments. The ideal candidate will bring proven leadership experience within the Large Format Print sector, excellent communication skills, and an inspiring approach to team management. They will thrive in a fast-paced environment, capable of balancing operational priorities with long-term business goals. Deadline-oriented, with a passion for quality and sustainability, they will help shape the future of our production operations, supported by talented and dedicated teams. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership: Lead day-to-day production and logistics operations to ensure all print jobs are delivered on time and to quality standards. Develop, implement and continually monitor production schedules, workflow and quality control systems. Monitor daily production schedules and proactively adjust to accommodate urgent projects, unforeseen delays or changing priorities. Ensure clear and concise communication around job progress, lead times and delivery expectations. Drive operational improvement initiatives to optimise productivity and reduce waste. Work closely with Procurement to plan and forecast material requirements in line with upcoming projects and production schedules. Manage consumable material usage efficiently to optimise costs per job. Uphold company standards on Health and Safety and Sustainability, integrating both safety and eco-conscious practices into daily operations. People and Team Management: Provide strong and assured leadership to production and logistics departments. Foster a friendly workplace culture that is accountable, collaborative, and respectful. Conduct frequent performance reviews to support professional growth and develop appropriate staff training plans to build confident, multi-skilled teams. Manage staff working across multiple shift patterns, co-ordinating overtime as required to meet changing workload demands. Promote a safe working environment and ensure compliance with all Health and Safety policies and processes. Quality and Technical Oversight: Continuously improve quality control standards across all production stages. Ensure consistent output aligned with client expectations. Support the introduction of new print technologies, materials and production methods. Oversee equipment maintenance, ensuring that preventative maintenance schedules are in place and adhered to for equipment reliability, safety and maximum usage time. Troubleshoot and resolve complex production challenges with a practical and hands‑on approach. Strategic and Commercial Contribution: Collaborate with the senior leadership team to align production and logistics goals with broader company strategy. Act as a bridge between departments, ensuring effective cross‑department collaboration between Production and Logistics with Account Management, Project Management and Artworking departments. Support Account and Project Managers with production advice and insight. Provide recommendations to support long‑term capacity planning and investment discussions. Stay informed on emerging technologies and innovations, recommending potential opportunities for efficiency improvement. Key Requirements Experience and Knowledge: Proven experience in a senior production or operations leadership role within Large Format Printing. Comprehensive knowledge of large format printing technologies, materials, and finishing processes. Experience in production planning and scheduling to meet varied and demanding deadlines. Strong understanding of workflow optimisation and quality control. Demonstrable experience managing complex and prestigious projects. Sound understanding of Health and Safety compliance and best practice with a production environment. Skills and Personal Attributes: Inspiring leadership style with the ability to motivate and unite multidisciplinary teams. Strong, solution‑oriented problem solving and decision‑making abilities. Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail. Calm and confident under pressure, capable of managing multiple projects within tight deadlines. Hands‑on, proactive and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr