Are you looking for the next step in your career in the senior production space?Do you have a strong understanding of scheduling and logistics procedures across multiple subcontractors? Have you been involved in the delivery of large-scale public-sector programmes?If so, then consider the role of Head of Production with Reed In Partnership.Reed in Partnership is a public service provider delivering a range of services that transform people and their communities. These services are delivered across our Assessment, Employability, Wellbeing, Citizen Services and Environment divisions.Our Reed Assessment division, a national provider of trusted and secure testing and assessments, is planning for the significant expansion of its testing operations during 2024. We are currently bidding for the delivery, on behalf of the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), of Key Stage 1 & 2 testing to all Primary School students in England. Securing this multi-million pound contract would see Reed Assessment responsible, directly and through its supply chain partners, for the production, distribution, marking and moderating of all key stage tests across Primary Schools.We are now looking to build an experienced implementation and delivery team ready to successfully mobilise this contract from April 2024. Travel to the West Midlands region (Coventry) will be expected at key points of the implementation cycle, the frequency of which will vary. This role is due to start in April 2024.What is the role about?The Head of Production will be responsible for the development and delivery of all test phase products including the design, print, collation, distribution and scanning of all Test Papers to the required quality thresholds.The Head of Production will have significant experience of leading production activities for complex and high-profile services; strong understanding of scheduling and logistics procedures across multiple subcontractors; first class leadership skills; track record of risk identification and successful mitigation.Just some of your day-to-day responsibilities will include: Accountable for high quality, timely delivery of print, consignment and logistics activity and associated Exceptions.Oversee all fulfilment and delivery activity to ensure every participating School receives sufficient NCA Materials for their Pupils.Ensure delivery to the timescales of the Production Plan.Oversee the performance of subcontractors.Review/approve Production ScheduleLead Weekly/Monthly performance meetings to review progress against the plan, RAID log and key activities.Oversee the creation of Production Proofs, ensuring the NCA Materials specification has been understood correctly, and transfer process to ensure the correct design files are used.Draft Print Quality Management Regime (QMR)Assess the severity/scale of Exception issues and agree urgent remedial actions.Review and address any performance issues highlighted by the Production Support Manager. What's in it for you?Alongside a generous base salary (pro-rata for part time), and great flexibility with your working schedule, we offer training, development and progression opportunities. You will have access to a wide range of Reed in Partnership benefits, which include: 25 days annual leave (pro-rata for part time) + Bank HolidaysReed Pension SchemeAward Winning Management & Leadership trainingProfessional & Personal Development FundsBi-annual pay reviewsPlus much more that can be found Here With the chance to dramatically make a difference to the local community, this role offers immense job satisfaction.To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone with:Essential Criteria Degree level or equivalent; minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 DiplomaSenior management level experience; large-scale public sector programme delivery; previous experience of large-scale testing processSignificant experience of leading production activities for complex and high-profile servicesStrong understanding of scheduling and logistics procedures across multiple subcontractorsFirst class leadership skillsTrack record of risk identification and successful mitigation. Diversity and InclusionWe aim to ensure that no candidate or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity. We offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria.