Head of Production

At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology we are driving the next phase of growth in the rapidly expanding high-volume manufacturing (HVM) market for compound semiconductors. Building on our strong foundation in the research sector we are scaling our operations to meet increasing global demand and this is where you come in.

We are seeking a Head of Production to play a critical leadership role in our Operational Excellence journey transforming our Production Supply Chain Stores and Dispatch functions to support sustainable growth improved customer outcomes and world-class manufacturing performance.

The Opportunity:

This is a senior leadership role accountable for delivering safe reliable high-quality and cost-effective manufacturing performance in a complex high-technology environment.

You will lead end-to-end production operations driving performance across Safety Quality Cost Delivery and People (SQCDP) metrics while building leadership capability improving production flow and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

As part of the Operations leadership team you will also play a key role in strategy deployment cross-functional alignment and scaling manufacturing capability to support future growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership & Delivery

• Lead Production Stores and Dispatch with clear priorities strong communication and visible leadership
• Own production planning and execution to meet monthly and annual delivery commitments
• Ensure a safe working environment with full compliance to HSE standards

People & Capability Development

• Build coach and develop high-performing teams including line managers and technical specialists
• Identify capability gaps and drive succession planning hiring and skills development
• Foster a culture of accountability engagement and continuous improvement

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive lean manufacturing and CI initiatives to improve flow efficiency and scalability
• Reduce waste across materials processes and systems supporting high-volume manufacturing readiness
• Use SQCDP metrics and data insights to prioritise and deliver improvement initiatives

Cost Quality & Performance

• Deliver margin improvement through control of labour rework scrap overtime and WIP
• Improve product quality through robust root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Standardise processes and systems to drive consistency and efficiency

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Quality Supply Chain and Commercial teams
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) ensuring manufacturability and production readiness
• Lead pre-production builds and ensure smooth transition into full-scale manufacture

About You:

You are an experienced and credible manufacturing leader with a track record of delivering results in complex high-technology environments.

• Proven experience leading production or operations teams at scale
• Strong background in lean manufacturing problem solving and continuous improvement
• Skilled in developing leaders and building high-performing multi-disciplinary teams
• Commercially aware able to balance cost quality delivery and long-term performance
• Data-driven with experience using ERP and production systems to inform decisions
• Confident decision-maker comfortable operating in a dynamic fast-paced environment
• Collaborative and influential with the ability to drive alignment across functions

Experience in semiconductor precision engineering vacuum plasma or capital equipment manufacturing would be highly advantageous.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Engineering Manufacturing or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or equivalent practical experience)

Why Join Us

At Oxford Instruments youll be part of a business at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. Our tools enable breakthroughs at micro- and nano-scale across a wide range of industries.

We offer:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday half-day Fridays
• Private healthcare
• Share incentive plan
• Pension and flexible benefits
• Structured career development
• A collaborative supportive environment with strong work-life balance

If youre ready to lead transformation scale operations and shape the future of advanced manufacturing wed love to hear from you. Apply now.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race colour religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin or encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.

Required Experience:

Director

Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1