Production Director
In companies where directorships are specific to certain roles, the production director is usually in charge of overseeing suppliers and supply chain, factories, warehousing and delivery of products to customers. In other words, it is directing the core part of the business, the part that makes the money, and as such only it goes to the most talented and experienced individuals.
The workforce will be under your direction, as they are instrumental in making sure products are made and delivered. Keeping the workforce operating optimally is within your remit, so you’ll be overseeing hiring and choosing managers down the echelons, or overseeing the process of recruitment.
The actual processes that turn components or raw materials into sellable products will be your main area of concern, however. You’ll be in charge of production related machinery and properties, including maintenance and repair. Of course, at this level, much of the hands-on work will be delegated but you’ll still need an intimate understanding of how production works in the company.
The skills required
Since all production processes are different, so are all production director jobs. The processes you’ve overseen in the past will certainly be useful for your next role, but you’re going to have to hit the ground running and learn whole new processes and possibly supply chains very quickly so you can start to make them run efficiently. You might even be directing the installation of new production processes, but the same applies.
You’ll be reporting to the board, taking instructions from and influencing its decisions. Good communication skills are the only way you can achieve this blend of responsibilities. You’ll also have a good grasp of finances, and how your decisions affect the efficiency and profitability of the company.
Production Director Jobs in Darlington
Anyone familiar with the history of railways will already be familiar with the name Darlington. The 26-mile Stockton and Darlington railway was the first commercial railway in the world, opened in 1825 to great acclaim. Within 50 years, the railway system covered the whole country, and many of the mainlines remain in place today. Because of its early adoption, Darlington became a centre of engineering, with several of the large companies, including Robert Stephenson & Co., setting up there.
Bridge building and engineering are still strongly associated with the town. The Darlington name is embossed on bridges the world over, and many a lorry driver will be familiar with the name Cummins, the American engineering firm that makes diesel engines among many other things, which has a plant in Darlington employing around 700 people.
Darlington was originally a market town, part of the reason it required a rail link, and that remains today, with much of the surrounding area being served by its shopping area. Its largest single employer is Orange, which has a call centre there. The town is well served by rail, air and road, with great links to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. With so much engineering and commerce going on, and a mobile population, Darlington is a great place to look for Production Director jobs, so please get in touch if you’re in the area looking for this kind of work.
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Production director jobs at Cast UK
If your business is looking for a director of production, you have found the ideal recruitment partner in Cast UK. Because we only recruit professional level roles, we are focused on delivering the calibre of director you’re looking for from our extensive industry networks and advert respondents. Drawing on our expertise and knowledge in our business sectors, we can rapidly put together experienced and motivated candidate shortlists. Call us on 0333 121 3345 to speak with one of our consultants today.
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