Head of Production | International Machine Tool Company Northern Italy

Our client is a globally renowned manufacturer of high-precision machine tools with production sites and sales organizations worldwide. To strengthen the management team at its production facility in Pordenone, Italy, we are seeking an experienced and hands-on Head of Production.

The Head of Production is responsible for leading and optimizing all manufacturing operations to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality machine tools while meeting cost, productivity, safety and customer satisfaction objectives. The role drives operational excellence through effective production planning, people leadership, continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.

Production Planning & Execution

• Develop and execute the production plan in line with business priorities and customer commitments.
• Monitor production progress and proactively resolve bottlenecks.
• Balance production capacity and available resources.
• Ensure on-time delivery while maintaining quality and cost targets.

Operations Management

• Lead all production departments including Mechanical Assembly, Electrical Assembly, Commissioning, Testing and Internal Logistics.
• Ensure efficient utilization of manpower, equipment and production facilities.
• Coordinate production priorities and optimize production flow.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop production managers, supervisors and team leaders.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce planning and recruitment activities together with HR.

Cost & Budget Management

• Manage the production budget and monitor labor productivity and manufacturing costs.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives.
• Support investment decisions related to production equipment and technologies.

Your Profile

• Technical education or university degree, preferably in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.
• Several years of leadership experience in industrial production, ideally within the machine tool or machinery industry.
• Strong background in production planning, assembly, shopfloor management and operational excellence.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and process optimization.
• Proven leadership skills and a structured, hands-on approach.
• Experience with ERP systems; SAP is an advantage.
• Good command of English; Italian and/or German are an advantage.

The Offer

• Key leadership position within an internationally successful industrial group.
• High level of responsibility and direct influence on operational performance.
• Opportunity to shape and further develop an established manufacturing organization.

If you are an experienced production leader who enjoys driving operational excellence and leading high-performing teams, we look forward to receiving your application.