Head of Production
EDGE Group is hiring a Head of Production in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Level rates it ; you can apply on EDGE Group.
Level's read on this job
- On Level's scale, this role is Little AI ●○○○: aI is not part of the work.
- Level classes it as an executive role.
- EDGE Group has 199 other open roles on Level.
AI in this role
External Job Description
PULSE, the joint venture between EDGE and INDRA, is seeking a Head of Production to lead manufacturing operations and drive the successful ramp-up and execution of advanced defense system production. This role is responsible for ensuring excellence across Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost objectives while establishing a stable, scalable and high-performing manufacturing environment capable of meeting demanding customer commitments.
Responsibilities
- Own end‑to‑end manufacturing execution (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost), driving clear KPIs, tier routines and escalation governance on the shop floor
- Define and execute the production ramp‑up strategy (capacity model, takt/line balance, staffing/shift model) aligned with industrialization milestones and readiness criteria
- Ensure standard work, work instructions, traceability and configuration control remain robust and audit‑ready after changes
- Drive continuous improvement to increase stability and productivity (waste elimination, 5S, flow optimization, bottleneck removal), linking actions to measurable KPI impact
- Deploy and sustain structured problem solving (8D/QC Story) and risk prevention methods (FMEA/PFMEA), ensuring corrective actions are closed and recurrence is prevented
- Lead the execution interface with Planning & Supply (S&OP, schedule adherence, constraints/shortages) to protect customer commitments and plan stability
- Partner with Quality, Engineering and Maintenance to stabilize processes and equipment through TPM/PM actions, containment and process validation support during ramp‑up
- Represent Production in customer/OEM discussions, audit preparation and reviews when required, ensuring operational readiness and compliant execution
Requirements
- 12+ years in manufacturing/operations leadership roles in high‑reliability environments (defense/aerospace, electronics or similar)
- Experience in the UAE is preferred, ideally supporting factory start‑ups and new production line launches
- Track record in high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing; defense industry exposure highly valued
- Familiarity with AS9100 Rev D principles and structured quality/CI tools (8D, QC Story, FMEA/PFMEA, Lean Manufacturing, TPM)
- Automotive/aeronautical exposure using APQP and/or DMAIC methodologies is appreciated
- Experience interfacing with OEM customers and supporting audits/reviews in regulated or customer‑controlled environments is a plus
How we rate this
Head of Production at EDGE Group rates 36 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.
Little AI. AI is not part of the work.
- ●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
- ●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
- ●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
- ●○○○ Little AI0 to 39
Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.
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