Production Director / Production Directress

Job Title: Production Director

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA), one of Europe's leading precision forging companies, is seeking an experienced Production Director to join its Sheffield-based operation. IFA stands uniquely as the only single-sited forge in the world with open-die radial, press, hammer, and ring rolling capabilities, alongside closed-die extrusion, drop stamp, and blade forging. Through extensive forging, machining, and testing capabilities, the business provides a fully integrated metals service center, supplying critical components into aerospace, defense, energy, and other highly regulated industries.

The Role

As IFA continues its ambitious growth and investment journey, we are looking to appoint an accomplished Production Director to join the Senior Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team responsible for leading all operational activities across Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE).

This role requires a highly visible leader who is comfortable driving strategic change while maintaining a strong presence across the manufacturing operation and engaging with teams at every level. Working collaboratively with the wider Executive Team, you will play a key role in shaping the future of one of Europe's most technically advanced forging businesses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a manufacturing strategy aligned with IFA's business objectives, investment plans, and long-term growth ambitions.
• Lead all Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, and HSE functions to achieve operational excellence across the site.
• Champion an uncompromising safety culture, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements, company standards, and industry best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations, embedding Lean Manufacturing principles and operational excellence.
• Deliver improvements in productivity, efficiency, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), quality, and customer delivery performance.
• Lead capital investment programs, supporting the introduction of new manufacturing technologies, plant upgrades, and process improvements.
• Develop engineering capability to maximize equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and improve asset performance.
• Ensure preventative and predictive maintenance strategies are effectively implemented across the site.
• Build a high-performing leadership team through coaching, succession planning, and talent development.
• Develop manufacturing capacity plans to support future business growth and customer demand.
• Work closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure customer requirements are consistently achieved.
• Lead operational budgeting, cost control, and performance reporting to deliver agreed financial objectives.
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all operational teams.
• Develop meaningful operational KPIs, ensuring robust reporting and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with ISO management systems and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Lead business continuity planning and operational risk management activities.
• Support organizational transformation and major strategic improvement projects across the business.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and external stakeholders where required.
• Contribute to the wider business strategy as an influential member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Requirements

• Proven experience operating at Production Director, Manufacturing Director, Operations Director, or Plant Director level within heavy manufacturing or engineering.
• Significant leadership experience across Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, and Health & Safety functions.
• Demonstrable experience delivering operational improvement programs within complex manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Experience leading large, multi-disciplinary manufacturing teams within unionized or industrial environments.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to align operational strategy to business performance and growth.
• Experience leading significant capital investment and manufacturing transformation projects.
• Proven ability to develop high-performing leadership teams and drive cultural change.
• Strong knowledge of engineering asset management, maintenance strategies, and manufacturing best practices.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• NEBOSH Diploma, IOSH, or equivalent Health & Safety qualification would be advantageous.
• Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Experience within aerospace, defense, metals, forging, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments would be highly advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Salary of £80,000-£100,000 depending on experience.
• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package.
• Pension scheme.
• 33 days annual leave.
• Ongoing executive leadership development and professional support.
• Opportunity to lead production within one of the UK's most advanced forging and manufacturing businesses.
• A key Senior Leadership Team position with genuine influence over the future direction of the organization.
• The opportunity to shape manufacturing strategy through a significant period of investment, growth, and operational transformation.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.