Head Of Production

Anglian; Norwich; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Anglian is seeking a proven Head of Production to own day-to-day manufacturing operations across a vertically integrated operation. The role combines hands-on leadership with strategic scope to scale capacity and drive operational excellence in a growing facility near Norwich.

You will lead Production Managers and large shift teams, own budgets, optimise capacity and labour, and partner with Supply Chain, Engineering and QA to deliver output, quality and cost targets.

Job description

Head of Production - Manufacturing

The Opportunity

This is a business-critical Production Management role running the day-to-day production within a growing, manufacturing operation, offering full ownership of end-to-end production

As Head of Production, you will lead the performance and efficiency of manufacturing across all manufacturing processes in a vertically integrated organisation While This role is primarily day-to-day production management, you will also play a key role in driving operational excellence, scaling capacity, and supporting the company's growth ambitions.

You will be a senior member of the Operations team, with significant influence over performance, culture, and continuous improvement across the operation.

Scope & Scale

• Manufacturing responsibility
• Leadership of Production Managers, Supervisors, and large shift-based teams
• Ownership of production budgets including labour, materials, and efficiency
• End-to-end production accountability

Key Responsibilities

• Operational & Strategic Leadership
• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve output, cost, quality, and service targets
• Drive capacity optimisation, labour planning, and operational efficiency across sites
• Ensure manufacturing processes are robust, scalable, and fit for growth

Health, Safety & Quality

• Build and maintain a high-performing safety-first culture
• Ensure full compliance with HSE legislation, internal policies, and industry standards
• Drive improvements in right-first-time, defect reduction, and customer quality outcomes

Continuous Improvement & Transformation

• Be part of the Lean manufacturing and CI team to improve operational efficiencies.
• Improve key metrics such as OEE, yield, and right-first-time performance

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing production leadership team
• Build capability, accountability, and engagement across the workforce
• Foster a strong, inclusive, performance-driven culture aligned to business values
• Work effectively within a unionised environment

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Planning, Engineering, Maintenance, and Logistics to ensure end-to-end operational delivery

Performance & Governance

• Own and report on key KPIs including output, efficiency, cost, scrap, safety, and labour performanceEnsure strong governance, reporting accuracy, and operational discipline

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a proven senior manufacturing leader who can combine hands-on operational expertise with strategic thinking.

Experience

• Significant leadership experience within manufacturing or production environments
• Track record of managing large, shift-based operations
• Demonstrated success in driving operational improvement and cultural change
• Experience within unionised environments is highly desirable

Technical Capability

• Strong understanding of production planning, capacity management, and labour optimisation
• Experience using KPIs, ERP/MRP systems, and performance reporting tools
• Background in building products, windows/doors, or similar manufacturing advantageous

Leadership Profile

• Visible, credible leader with the ability to operate mainly at day to day at operational levels and supporting s