Head of Production Operations

PrintMatch Ltd; Essex; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established manufacturing business in Essex is seeking a Head of Production Operations to lead their production and logistics departments. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in large format printing and operational leadership. Responsibilities include ensuring quality standards, managing production schedules, and fostering a collaborative culture. Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills are essential for this role, offering a competitive salary between £45k-50k.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior production or operations leadership role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of large format printing technologies.
• Experience in production planning and scheduling.
• Sound understanding of Health & Safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day production operations to ensure timely delivery.
• Develop and monitor production schedules and quality control systems.
• Foster a collaborative workplace culture.
• Continuously improve quality control standards.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Calm under pressure

Knowledge of large format printing

Job description

Head of Production Operations - Essex - £45-50k

Reference: PrintMatch1793

Our client specialises in providing high quality printed graphics that incorporate global rollouts across niche projects for a variety of prestigious clients within an array of business sectors.

They currently have an exciting opening for someone to head up operations within their well-established manufacturing business. The successful candidate will have wide ranging exposure of materials such as Dibond and Vinyl and have experience of scheduling work through a busy production department.

Deadline‑orientated, with a passion for quality and sustainability, you will help shape the future of their production operations, supported by dedicated account/project management teams.

Key responsibilities include...

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 monitor production schedules, workflow and quality control systems
• Ensure clear and concise communication around job progress, lead times and delivery expectations
• Manage consumable material usage efficiently to optimise productivity and reduce waste

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
• Manage staff working across multiple shift patterns and co‑ordinating overtime as required
• Conduct frequent performance reviews and develop appropriate staff training

Quality and Technical Oversight:

• Continuously improve quality control standards across all production stages
• Support the introduction of new print technologies, materials and production methods
• Oversee equipment maintenance, ensuring that preventative maintenance schedules are in place
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex production challenges with a practical and hands‑on approach

Strategic and Commercial:

• Collaborate with the senior leadership team to align production and logistics goals with broader company strategy
• Act as the bridge between departments, ensuring effective cross‑department collaboration
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and innovations
• Support Account and Project Managers with production advice and insight

Experience and Knowledge:

• Proven within 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
• Sound understanding of Health & Safety compliance and best practice within a production environment

Skills and Personal Attributes:

• Inspiring leadership style with the ability to motivate and unite multidisciplinary teams
• Strong, solution orientated problem solving and decision‑making skills
• Calm and confident under pressure, capable of managing multiple projects within tight deadlines
• Hands‑on proactive and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment

This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a close, tight‑knit business. If you understand the Large Format sector like no other, have managed a small team and have hands‑on experience of materials such as Dibond and Vinyl, we'd love to hear from you!