Head of Production / Production Manager

Job title : Head of Production / Production Manager

Job Summary

• We are looking for an experienced and results-driven Head of Production / Production Manager to oversee our manufacturing operations and ensure that products are produced efficiently, consistently, and to the required quality standards.
• The Head of Production will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the company's entire production process — from the receipt of materials through manufacturing, finishing, quality control, and final delivery.
• The successful candidate will lead the production team, manage production schedules, improve manufacturing processes, control production costs, minimize waste, and ensure that all products meet the company's quality and design specifications.

Key Responsibilities
Production Management:

• Plan, organize, and oversee daily furniture production activities.
• Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer orders and delivery deadlines.
• Coordinate the production of different furniture lines and projects.
• Allocate labour, machinery, materials, and other resources effectively.
• Monitor production progress and resolve delays or operational challenges.
• Ensure designs and production specifications are accurately translated into finished products.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, supervise, and manage production staff, craftsmen, technicians, and workshop personnel.
• Set clear performance expectations and monitor team productivity.
• Train and develop production staff on proper processes, quality standards, and workplace procedures.
• Promote discipline, teamwork, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and identify training and development needs.

Quality Control:

• Establish and maintain high-quality standards throughout the production process.
• Inspect finished and semi-finished products to ensure they meet design and quality specifications.
• Identify production defects and implement corrective measures.
• Work closely with the Design Team to resolve technical and production-related design issues.
• Ensure consistency in dimensions, finishing, materials, construction, and overall product quality.

Materials & Inventory:

• Work closely with procurement and stores teams to ensure timely availability of production materials.
• Monitor the use of wood, fabrics, foam, metal, hardware, finishes, and other production materials.
• Reduce material waste, damage, and unnecessary production costs.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and usage of production materials.
• Assist in establishing accurate material requirements and production costing.

Process Improvement & Cost Control:

• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency and reduce costs.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for production activities.
• Monitor production output, labour efficiency, material usage, and wastage.
• Introduce improved tools, techniques, processes, and equipment where appropriate.
• Track production KPIs and provide regular reports to management.
• Ensure production targets are achieved within agreed budgets and timelines.

Health & Safety:

• Ensure that the workshop and production environment is safe, clean, and properly organized.
• Enforce appropriate safety procedures when operating machinery and tools.
• Ensure employees use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Identify and address potential workplace hazards.
• Promote a culture of safety and responsibility across the production team.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Work closely with the Design Team to ensure products are practical and production-ready.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Stores to maintain adequate material availability.
• Work with Sales and Customer Service teams to understand production requirements and delivery deadlines.
• Coordinate with management on production capacity, challenges, and resource requirements.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The successful candidate will be expected to monitor and improve:

• Production output and efficiency.
• On-time completion of production orders.
• Product quality and defect rates.
• Material wastage.
• Production costs.
• Labour productivity.
• Machine and equipment utilization.
• Rework and rejected products.
• Workplace safety.
• Overall production capacity and team performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree / HND in Industrial Production, Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial Design, Furniture Technology, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in production or manufacturing management, preferably within the furniture, woodworking, interior, or related manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience managing a production team or workshop.
• Strong understanding of furniture manufacturing processes and materials.
• Practical knowledge of woodworking, upholstery, finishing, joinery, metalwork, or other relevant furniture production processes.
• Strong understanding of production planning, quality control, inventory management, and cost control.
• Good knowledge of machinery, tools, workshop operations, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight production deadlines.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Good knowledge of workplace health and safety practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other production or inventory management tools is an advantage.

Key Qualities
We are looking for someone who is:

• Hands-on and operationally strong.
• A confident leader who can manage and motivate a production team.
• Highly organized and results-oriented.
• Practical and solutions-focused.
• Detail-oriented and committed to quality.
• Commercially aware and cost-conscious.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Able to identify problems quickly and take decisive corrective action.
• Passionate about furniture manufacturing and craftsmanship.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Opportunity to lead a growing furniture production operation.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A collaborative and performance-driven working environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to improving and scaling the company's manufacturing operations.