Head of Production

About the opportunity:

We are the internal recruitment partner for a well-established business creating bespoke exhibition stands for events across the UK and internationally. With a strong and growing pipeline of projects, they are now seeking an experienced Head of Production to lead their production function at their site near Peterborough.

This is a senior leadership position within the business, responsible for overseeing end-to-end production operations, driving operational excellence, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality projects in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. The role offers the opportunity to shape strategy, develop teams, and implement continuous improvements across the production lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Leading and overseeing all production operations, including workshop, build, and logistical planning functions.
• Developing and implementing production strategies to improve efficiency, scalability, and output quality.
• Managing the day-to-day running of the production department, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Leading, mentoring, and developing a multi-disciplinary team, including line management responsibilities and performance development.
• Planning, scheduling, and coordinating multiple concurrent projects across the UK and abroad.
• Allocating labour and resources effectively to maximise productivity and ensure delivery deadlines are met.
• Driving high standards of quality, organisation, health & safety, and operational excellence across all production activities.
• Collaborating closely with Sales, Design, Print, and Operations teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Overseeing logistics planning, including transport, fleet management, and the coordination of specialist equipment for installations.
• Supporting and overseeing site installations, breakdowns, and client handovers when required.
• Monitoring production performance, reporting on KPIs, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Implementing best practices, new processes, and innovative build methods to enhance efficiency and output

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior production leadership role within a workshop, manufacturing, or production environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience building and developing high-performing teams.
• Background in carpentry, joinery, fabrication, or a similar hands-on trade is highly advantageous.
• Experience within the exhibition, events, shopfitting, or display build industry is highly desirable.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex, multi-project production environments under tight deadlines.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, cost, and timelines.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with a strategic approach to production management.
• Experience coordinating logistics, transport, and operational resources.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across all business levels.
• Flexible approach to working hours and travel, in line with project requirements.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary of £55,000 – £65,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Pension contributions.
• Life insurance.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing, well-respected exhibition build business.