Head of Production
Oxford instruments · Bristol, England ·
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 & DeliveryLead Production, Stores and Dispatch with clear priorities, strong communication and visible leadershipOwn production planning and execution to meet monthly and annual delivery commitmentsEnsure a safe working environment with full compliance to HSE standardsPeople & Capability DevelopmentBuild, coach and develop high-performing teams, including line managers and technical specialistsIdentify capability gaps and drive succession planning, hiring and skills developmentFoster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvementOperational Excellence & Continuous ImprovementDrive lean manufacturing and CI initiatives to improve flow, efficiency and scalabilityReduce waste across materials, processes and systems, supporting high-volume manufacturing readinessUse SQCDP metrics and data insights to prioritise and deliver improvement initiativesCost, Quality & PerformanceDeliver margin improvement through control of labour, rework, scrap, overtime and WIPImprove product quality through robust root cause analysis and corrective actionsStandardise processes and systems to drive consistency and efficiencyCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Commercial teamsSupport New Product Introduction (NPI), ensuring manufacturability and production readinessLead pre-production builds and ensure smooth transition into full-scale manufactureAbout 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 scaleStrong background in lean manufacturing, problem solving and continuous improvementSkilled in developing leaders and building high-performing, multi-disciplinary teamsCommercially aware, able to balance cost, quality, delivery and long-term performanceData-driven, with experience using ERP and production systems to inform decisionsConfident decision-maker, comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast-paced environmentCollaborative and influential, with the ability to drive alignment across functionsExperience 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, you'll 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 salary25 days holiday + half-day FridaysPrivate healthcareShare incentive planPension and flexible benefitsStructured career developmentA collaborative, supportive environment with strong work-life balanceIf you're ready to lead transformation, scale operations and shape the future of advanced manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now.#LI-AC1All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We 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.