Interim Head of Manufacturing

Interim Head of Manufacturing

Our client is looking to appoint an experienced Interim Head of Manufacturing to provide leadership across a growing manufacturing operation during an important period of development.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role with responsibility for manufacturing performance, frontline leadership, operational structure and continuous improvement.

The appointment is initially being made on an interim basis, although there may be scope for the role to become permanent for the right individual.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, the Interim Head of Manufacturing will provide experienced oversight across production while helping to strengthen the production supervision tier, create greater clarity around roles and responsibilities, and establish the measures, disciplines and management routines required within a scaling manufacturing environment.

The site operates a combination of continuous and manual production processes and requires an experienced manufacturing leader who can quickly understand the operation, establish credibility and translate expectations into practical improvements across the shop floor.

The role

The Interim Head of Manufacturing will be responsible for:

• Providing leadership and direction across day-to-day manufacturing operations
• Leading, coaching and developing the production supervision team
• Reviewing and strengthening the structure, responsibilities and accountabilities across manufacturing
• Establishing clear expectations around leadership standards and operational performance
• Developing appropriate manufacturing KPIs, measures and management information
• Improving visibility of performance, priorities and areas requiring intervention
• Strengthening shift management, communication and handover disciplines
• Supporting the consistent delivery of production, quality, safety and efficiency targets
• Identifying and implementing practical continuous improvement initiatives
• Reviewing existing manufacturing processes and working practices to improve effectiveness and efficiency
• Driving greater accountability and consistency across production teams
• Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Health & Safety, Warehousing and Logistics
• Developing capability within the production leadership team through coaching, challenge and clear expectations
• Helping ensure the manufacturing structure, processes and leadership capability are equipped to support continued business growth

The person

We are looking for an established Head of Manufacturing, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager or senior production leader who can quickly add structure, leadership and operational rigour.

You will ideally bring:

• Significant experience leading manufacturing operations within a complex or scaled production environment
• Strong experience managing and developing supervisors and frontline manufacturing leaders
• A proven track record of improving production performance and operational discipline
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs, performance management and operational reporting
• Experience defining clearer roles, responsibilities and management expectations
• Practical knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and process optimisation
• The credibility to coach, challenge and support established manufacturing teams
• A structured, analytical and pragmatic approach to operational improvement
• Strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to assess an operation quickly, identify priorities and translate them into practical action

Previous interim, transformation or operational improvement experience would be advantageous, although experienced manufacturing leaders capable of quickly assessing and strengthening an operation will also be considered.

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact within an established manufacturing business entering its next stage of development.

The immediate mandate is to provide strong manufacturing leadership while helping the business strengthen its supervisory capability, performance disciplines and operational foundations.

The successful individual will play an important role in ensuring that the manufacturing operation has the leadership capability, structure and consistency required to support the next stage of the business's growth.

Apply now for further information or a confidential discussion.

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