Head of Production at Associated Vehicle Assemblers Limited

Key responsibilities:

Strategy and Development:

• Overall responsibility for Production activities across the business
• Create and implement best practice production vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance
• Ensure that production strategies and processes are aligned to the overall AVA Business strategy to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets and which enables the company to function and compete effectively in the market
• Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities
• Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process
• Take ownership of the production policy, guidelines and any QMS related documents
• Initiate and develop creative and innovative production processes

General and Task Management:

• Lead, develop and implement variable cost productivity programs across all areas of responsibility
• Implement a customer focused operational culture delivering world class customer service levels
• Coordinate team activities to optimize cost performance of the plant through capital investment programs, optimizing operating working capital usage and minimizing waste through the development of a continuous improvement culture encompassing lean principles and clear strategic development
• Develop and manage operations budgets for products to directly support and ensure that the product is delivered to agreed cost, quality and timelines
• Plan and execute maintenance activity to ensure plant is kept safe and compliant
• Provide design for assembly input at early stages in the new model introduction process, coordinating with and supporting the project / process team to implement new and revised designs and developing effective processes to ensure assembly of new models while maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards and achieving cost targets
• Manage the accurate and on-time introduction of new models
• Support project management to cross functional activity required for project execution
• Ensure that Environmental, Health and Safety, manufacturing and quality standards and procedures are adhered to

People Management:

• Provide leadership to departments under control and coach, mentor and develop direct reports and manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement, added value and cost reductions
• Establish strategy and best practices for staff to ensure achievement of overall business objectives. Work with the production team to translate strategy into specific annual performance goals and departmental objectives including KPIs, and to track them
• Set department Balanced Scorecard objectives and monitor ongoing progress and performance
• Ensure strong communication between teams under leadership to facilitate exchange of information and in order to implement change and improvements
• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors
• Responsible for developing the appropriate organizational structure, resource plans and culture to support the business objectives and customer deliverables
• Provide leadership, coordination and coaching to the team, ensuring they are trained enabling them to achieve the operational and financial metrics within their areas of responsibility and succeed in their roles
• Complete regular performance reviews, manage attendance, holidays, disciplinary issues and procedures as appropriate

Financial and Budget Management:

• Input and hold responsibility for production budgets
• Prepare the annual production budget and forecasts and all Capital Expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with legal standards. Manage the budget from identification to completion of projects

Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance
• Proactively work with product line management, engineering, process and other departments to incorporate best practices into the production environment
• Report on production activities on a regular basis to the Senior Management team, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of the relevant Key Performance Indicators
• Work collaboratively, negotiate and engage with key stakeholders to facilitate delivery and compliance with the production strategy
• Communicate with stakeholders the impact of technology change and potential effects on supply. Recommend solutions without compromising quality, service or cost
• Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on manufacturing activities

Environmental:

• Review environmental strategies that impact on future ways of operating and ensure implementation where possible
• Review the use of technological systems that support a more environmentally friendly approach
• Review opportunities to be as environmentally friendly as possible

Self-Management:

• Support, comply and ensure complicity with Health & Safety regulations, the Company Handbook, Quality and Environmental standards, and all other Company policies and procedures
• Inspire and motivate the team

And any other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

Required qualifications and experience:

• 10+ years industrial experience with a Bachelors in Electrical, Electronics or Mechanical engineering
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong customer focus
• Excellent organizational and follow up skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to meet time sensitive deadlines
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment
• Strong innovation and networking skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently
• Strong business acumen and ability to translate technology to potential business impacts
• Knowledge of IATF/ISO Standards, (16949,9001, 14001, 45001, etc)

Critical Competencies required:

• Aptitude in decision-making and working with numbers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in collecting and analyzing data
• Talent in negotiations and networking
• Strong leadership capabilities
• A person of high integrity