Head of Production (Bodyshops)

ABL 1 Touch Group Ltd; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Production to lead and enhance operations across multiple automotive repair sites. This pivotal role involves driving operational excellence, ensuring safety, and maximizing profitability while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. You will collaborate closely with senior leadership, manage a dedicated team, and implement effective processes to achieve company goals. With a competitive salary, benefits including an electric company car, and a commitment to employee well-being, this is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to make a significant impact in a thriving industry.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Celebration Day

Private Medical Insurance – Family cover

Life Assurance x 2 basic salary

Auto enrolment pension – 5% employee 3% employer

Healthcare Cash Plan

Employee Engagement Budget

Employee Assistance Programme

Car Insurance discount with LV

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing multi-site operations in the automotive sector.
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on team motivation and development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the efficiency and profitability of multiple bodyshop sites.
• Ensure a safe working environment and implement best practices.

Skills

Team Leadership

Operational Excellence

Process Improvement

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Stakeholder Management

Financial Control

Multi-Site Management

Education

Experience in Automotive Industry

UK Driving Licence

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

Head of Production (Vehicle Repair)

Competitive Salary plus bonus, Electric Company Car and other benefits

Who we are:

ABL 1 Touch was established in 1994 and is a private equity backed vehicle repair business renowned as a leader in its field. Working in partnership with insurance companies to deliver high quality repair services to their customers and with sites spread across the UK and plans for continued growth.

This is a fantastic time to join our team as we shape the future of our production operations. You will get to work closely with our Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership to ensure we maintain high standards, drive best practice, and champion continuous improvement.

The opportunity for you:

We need an experienced leader with a passion for driving output and operational excellence across multiple sites in the automotive industry. You will need to thrive in a fast-paced environment and be able to drive the team to deliver in an environment where every day counts. You’ll play a pivotal role in overseeing multiple bodyshop sites, ensuring they operate safely, efficiently, profitably, and in line with the highest standards, including effectively implementing our Daily Management process.

This role will involve regular travel to sites some of which are new sites and still in ramp up. It is important that you can demonstrate experience in improving, setting up or getting new sites into business as usual mode.

What we need you to do:

1. Ensure a safe working environment is operated at all times and that safety is inherent in the culture of the site.
2. Ensure the overall efficiency and profitability of allocated sites by overseeing the cost of labour, paint and parts.
3. Oversee daily and weekly forecasting vs actual and support individuals in developing reliable forecasting.
4. Work collaboratively with supporting functions to maximise the output from sites and achieve company goals.
5. Maintain an overview of site performance, ensuring accurate forecasting and efficient production.
6. Lead, manage and motivate a team of Production Managers to support them with the day-to-day running of their sites – coaching to success.
7. Proactively oversee the recruitment for sites ensuring timely hiring and a positive candidate experience, whilst taking the lead on Production and Assistant Production Manager recruitment.
8. Work in conjunction with the HR Business Partner to support in the coaching and development of Production and Assistant Production Managers, taking responsibility for their training and progression.
9. Identify and recommend opportunities for continuous improvement, to processes, methods and new technology.

What we need from you:

1. Experience of managing a multi-site operation (ideally within the automotive industry).
2. Experience of managing and leading teams, with a good understanding of how to get the best out of people – firm but fair approach and strong role modelling.
3. Technical skills with experience of body and paint repair in the retail motor industry advantageous.
4. Process driven, good at managing multiple priorities and delivering through others.
5. Good influencing skills and confident working with and presenting to stakeholders across all levels.
6. UK Driving Licence.
7. Exceptional communication and relationship building skills.
8. Ability to demonstrate good business acumen and financial control.
9. Experience of improving process and methods, driving efficiency and maximising productivity.
10. Highly organised with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
11. Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills with the ability to drive results through this.
12. Good MS office skills with the ability to present information in various ways.
13. Strong problem solving skills, with an analytical approach.
14. Passion for delivering quality and achieving customer satisfaction.

ABL Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Celebration Day (to use as you wish to celebrate a significant day in your life).
• Private Medical Insurance – Family cover.
• Life Assurance x 2 basic salary.
• Auto enrolment pension – 5% employee 3% employer.
• Healthcare Cash Plan (including Gym and shopping discounts).
• Employee Engagement Budget (money to go out as a team and have fun!).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Car Insurance discount with LV.
• Length of service awards.
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.