Head of Production

Central Employment; North East; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Employment is recruiting a Head of Production for a respected pharmaceutical manufacturer. You will lead a multi‑functional GMP operation, drive safety, quality and performance, and develop teams to meet ambitious growth plans.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will shape production strategy, coach managers, manage budgets, and deliver improvements across yield, efficiency and compliance in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Senior production leader with pharma/regulatory experience.
• Strong GMP knowledge and quality focus.
• Proven track record in improving efficiency and throughput.
• Excellent leadership and people development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production teams within a GMP environment.
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency and performance.
• Ensure production plans meet customer demand and business goals.
• Coach production managers, supervisors and team leaders.
• Support capacity planning and workforce development initiatives.
• Champion health, safety, quality and compliance.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on waste reduction and process optimisation.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain and Technical functions.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource planning.
• Contribute to site-wide operational strategy and growth initiatives.
• Maintain a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and engagement.

Skills

Leadership

GMP knowledge

Strategic planning

Change management

Stakeholder management

Job description

An established pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation is seeking a Head of Production to lead and develop a multi-functional manufacturing operation within a highly regulated GMP environment.

The business has experienced sustained growth over recent years and continues to invest in facilities, equipment, people and operational capability. As part of its long-term strategy, the organisation is looking to appoint a senior production leader capable of driving operational performance, developing teams and supporting future expansion plans.

This is a highly visible leadership role with responsibility for production performance, safety, quality, service and people development.

Role Description

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Head of Production will provide leadership across multiple manufacturing areas, ensuring products are manufactured safely, compliantly and efficiently whilst maintaining the highest quality standards.

The successful candidate will play a key role in continuing to improve operational performance, developing production capability and embedding a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and engagement throughout the manufacturing function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production teams within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency and operational performance.
• Ensure production plans are delivered in line with customer demand and business objectives.
• Develop and coach production managers, supervisors and team leaders.
• Support capacity planning and workforce development initiatives.
• Champion health, safety, quality and compliance throughout the operation.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on waste reduction, yield improvement and process optimisation.
• Work closely with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain and Technical functions to deliver operational objectives.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource planning activities.
• Contribute to site-wide operational strategy and future growth initiatives.
• Proven experience in a senior production leadership position within pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing large production teams through multiple levels of leadership.
• Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing principles.
• Track record of improving operational performance and manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement and operational excellence programmes.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people development capability.
• Experience operating within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead organisational change and support business growth.

What's Attractive About The Opportunity

• Opportunity to influence the direction of a growing manufacturing operation.
• High-profile leadership role with visibility across the wider business.
• Ability to shape culture, processes and operational strategy.
• Long-term career development within an ambitious manufacturing organisation.
• Chance to make a measurable impact on operational performance and business growth.