Head of Industry

Overview

In this role you will lead end-to-end industrial operations for a high-mix, low-volume environment in the defence sector. You’ll shape the long-term industrial strategy and oversee manufacturing, supply chain, industrial engineering and continuous improvement. Working across cross-functional teams, you will ensure on-time, quality and cost targets while driving Industry 4.0 adoption and operational excellence. This position offers impact through transforming manufacturing solutions and enhancing customer satisfaction at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end industrial operations including planning, procurement, manufacturing, integration, testing, repair, logistics and delivery
• Develop and deploy industrial and supply chain strategies aligned with business objectives
• Manage complex manufacturing and supply chain activities to meet quality, time and cost standards
• Oversee industrial engineering for new products from design to production
• Lead continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives
• Ensure effective use of ERP, MRP, MES, QMS and other industrial toolsets
• Manage industrial operating budget and represent operations at bid and gate reviews
• Promote collaboration, safety, environmental responsibility and operational excellence

Key requirements

• Significant experience in senior operational leadership within a complex manufacturing or industrial environment
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams across manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, procurement, logistics and continuous improvement
• Strong understanding of total supply chain disciplines including planning, supplier quality assurance and delivery
• Proven knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques (5S, Kaizen, levelled pull flow, heijunka, visual control)
• Understanding of Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing and application of new industrial technologies
• Experience using MRP, ERP, MES and other industrial systems to improve performance
• Strong change management, stakeholder engagement, communication and team development skills
• Degree-level qualification in engineering, manufacturing or a related discipline, with relevant lean manufacturing expertise

• communication
• stakeholder engagement
• team development
• lean manufacturing (5S, Kaizen, heijunka)
• Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing
• ERP, MRP, MES, QMS

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