Head of Production

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