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 Lowestoft
On the north-eastern tip of Suffolk, 7 miles (11 km) south of Great Yarmouth and 21 miles (33 km) south east of Norwich, is the port town of Lowestoft. The town has a long history as a fishing and freight port town, and some of the earliest evidence of settlement in the UK has been found here. Unfortunately, the town's location and its harbouring of vessels and materials for the war efforts meant that it was bombed and shelled during both world wars, as was the case with many towns on the east coast.
Lowestoft got its railway link in the 19th century and this helped the town to boom as its trawlers' catches could be taken away to the cities quickly. The railway also stimulated other industry to set up there, as it made imports and exports simple by land and sea. Until the 1990s there were several multinational companies in the town, but they have largely gone now, and tourism plays a vital role – Lowestoft does have very attractive sandy beaches. Another well known industry was Lowestoft porcelain, which was among the finest in the world in its day.
It is not uncommon for Production Director jobs to become available in Lowestoft and the surrounding area as the docks are still active, even if they are not at the same level as they were fifty years ago. There is still a major Birds Eye factory in the town, and the headquarters of Hoseasons Holidays is located there. Much employment comes from the oil and gas industries, too, and recently Lowestoft has become a key site for the manufacture of renewable energy equipment, from solar panels to offshore wind turbines. There is a population of around 65,000 and several ,moderately populated towns along the coast, which can all add up to a reasonably active logistics and supply chain sector.
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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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