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Production Director
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Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA), one of Europe's leading precision forging companies, is seeking an experienced Production Director to join its Sheffield-based operation.
IFA sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge in the world with open-die radial, press, hammer and ring rolling capabilities alongside closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging. Through extensive forging, machining and testing capabilities, the business provides a fully integrated metals service centre, supplying critical components into aerospace, defence, energy and other highly regulated industries.
As the business continues its ambitious growth and investment journey, IFA is looking to appoint an accomplished Production Director to join the Senior Leadership Team. This is a pivotal leadership appointment.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team with responsibility for leading all operational activities across Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance and HSE.
You will be responsible for developing and executing the operational strategy, ensuring the business continues to deliver exceptional standards of safety, quality, delivery and cost. This role requires a highly visible leader who is comfortable driving strategic change whilst maintaining a strong presence across the manufacturing operation, engaging with teams at every level.
Working collaboratively with the wider Executive Team, you will play a key role in shaping the future of one of Europe's most technically advanced forging businesses.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a manufacturing strategy aligned to IFA's business objectives, investment plans and long-term growth ambitions.
- Lead all Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance and HSE functions to achieve operational excellence across the site.
- Champion an uncompromising safety culture, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements, company standards and industry best practice.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations, embedding Lean Manufacturing principles and operational excellence.
- Deliver improvements in productivity, efficiency, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), quality and customer delivery performance.
- Lead capital investment programmes, supporting the introduction of new manufacturing technologies, plant upgrades and process improvements.
- Develop engineering capability to maximise equipment reliability, reduce downtime and improve asset performance.
- Ensure preventative and predictive maintenance strategies are effectively implemented across the site.
- Build a high-performing leadership team through coaching, succession planning and talent development.
- Develop manufacturing capacity plans to support future business growth and customer demand.
- Work closely with Commercial, Supply Chain and Quality teams to ensure customer requirements are consistently achieved.
- Lead operational budgeting, cost control and performance reporting to deliver agreed financial objectives.
- Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement across all operational teams.
- Develop meaningful operational KPIs, ensuring robust reporting and data-driven decision making.
- Ensure compliance with ISO management systems and customer-specific quality requirements.
- Lead business continuity planning and operational risk management activities.
- Support organisational transformation and major strategic improvement projects across the business.
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and external stakeholders where required.
- Contribute to wider business strategy as an influential member of the Senior Leadership Team.
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Requirements
- Proven experience operating at Production Director, Manufacturing Director, Operations Director or Plant Director level within heavy manufacturing or engineering.
- Significant leadership experience across Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance and Health & Safety functions.
- Demonstrable experience delivering operational improvement programmes within complex manufacturing environments.
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence methodologies.
- Experience leading large, multi-disciplinary manufacturing teams within unionised or industrial environments.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to align operational strategy to business performance and growth.
- Experience leading significant capital investment and manufacturing transformation projects.
- Proven ability to develop high-performing leadership teams and drive cultural change.
- Strong knowledge of engineering asset management, maintenance strategies and manufacturing best practice.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
- NEBOSH Diploma, IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification would be advantageous.
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline is preferred.
- Experience within aerospace, defence, metals, forging or other highly regulated manufacturing environments would be highly advantageous.
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What's on Offer
- Salary of £80,000-£100,000 depending on experience.
- Performance-related bonus scheme.
- Comprehensive executive benefits package.
- Pension scheme.
- 33 days annual leave.
- Ongoing executive leadership development and professional support.
- Opportunity to lead production within one of the UK's most advanced forging and manufacturing businesses.
- A key Senior Leadership Team position with genuine influence over the future direction of the organisation.
- The opportunity to shape manufacturing strategy through a significant period of investment, growth and operational transformation.
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