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 Sunderland
A local district in the county of Tyne and Wear, Sunderland is situated at the mouth of the River Wear and for hundreds of years, the region served as a port, mainly trading products like coal and salt.
Throughout the Industrial Revolution, Sunderland's economy was based on industries like brewing, glassmaking, pottery and rope making.
From the 14th century onwards, Sunderland was also an important place for shipbuilding. In 1814, there were 24 shipyards in the region and by 1840 this number had risen to 65. By the middle of the 20th century, a significant portion of the country's merchant and naval ships were produced here.
The last of the shipyards, however, closed in 1988 and much of the other heavy industry has also disappeared from the region. Today, the economy of Sunderland is now mainly based in the service sector, although a number of factories and production facilities still exist.
Those seeking Production Director roles in Sunderland will have a range of options to consider and a number of companies operate regional offices, warehouses and other facilities in the region - including Littlewoods and LG Electronics.
Berghaus, an outdoor clothing manufacturer has its head office in Sunderland and so does Arriva, the public transport company. The 2 Sisters Food Group, which supplies poultry, fish, chilled and frozen items and bakery goods to supermarkets, also has a site here.
Meanwhile the Nissan car plant in Sunderland is the largest factory of its kind in the UK and produces vehicles like the Micra, Note and Qashqai.
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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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