Head of Production
Every business has a core function, which might be making something, supplying it or offering a service. But businesses also need a whole infrastructure around them to run, from marketing to personnel.
The head of production is there to ensure the smooth operation of that core function on which everything else depends. It’s a crucial task, and although there will be plenty of important interaction with the other departments, they will be steering the company’s profitability.
Another important role of the head of production will be overseeing the development of new products to take to market. In technical businesses, that could involve overseeing a research and development department or a team of engineers, but in more generic or creative industries such as fashion, managing designers and factories, and maintaining a supply chain, will be part of the job.
The skills required
Production is a wide-ranging subject, covering everything from food supply to creating aviation components, so managers tend to be drawn from within certain sectors as they have familiarity with the way business is done. That said, head of production jobs often go to candidates with a varied CV, as it shows they have a grasp of the principles of productivity that they can apply to various industries.
Whatever your background, you’ll need to show an ability to think strategically, as production line creation and research are long processes that need plenty of forward planning. That will also mean that you’re constantly dealing with current projects as well as those in development and brand new concepts that might be a decade away. And all the time, you’ll need great personal skills as it's the team below you, and the board, who need to be up to speed on developments and goals.
Head of Production Jobs in Derby
Located on the River Derwent in Derbyshire, Derby is among England's 20 largest urban areas and the broad range of businesses based there today make it a great option for those seeking new Head of Production vacancies.
Derby's history goes back to a Roman settlement called Derventio and the area was home to Saxon and Viking communities during its early years.
The Industrial Revolution marked an important turning point for Derby and the city was the first to reap the benefits of a water-powered silk mill in the early 1700s.
Other innovations later in the century led to improved techniques for manufacturing stockings. In addition, a number of cotton spinning mills were established.
Within 100 years, Derby had become an important industrialised city as well as the headquarters for a number of regional railways.
Rolls-Royce established a factory in 1907, constructing cars and aircraft, while the Derby railway works was a bustling facility that designed and built rolling stock for the nation's growing rail system. Indeed, the first diesel-electric locomotive was produced there in 1948.
There's no doubt that Derby's past has influenced its future and today its top employers continue to be based in automotive manufacture and railway engineering. These include Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Bombardier Transportation.
Other well-known companies include Egg, an internet banking company, and Alstom, a company that manufactures boilers and heat exchangers for industrial purposes. Meanwhile, the chocolate company Thorntons is headquartered in nearby Alfreton.
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Head of production recruitment at Cast UK
If you think you deserve a better head of production salary, Cast UK is where to start looking for your next career move.We only deal with managerial and executive level candidates, so you know that if you see a job on our boards, or if we contact you with a potential opening, it’s going to be a high quality position. Click the link below to register with us so we can contact you.
Recruitment is a two-way process, so if you’re an employer looking for a head of production, you can trust Cast UK to filter out the unqualified and cut straight to the chase with an excellent shortlist when you use us. If you’re looking for the perfect recruitment partner, call 0333 121 3345 and speak to one or our specialists.
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