Dave Haynes
Darlington
Summary
Result-oriented individual with over 10 years of progressive experience within lean manufacturing environments. Transitioned from hands-on production to strategic leadership, developing an ability for decisive problem-solving and operational efficiency. Strong skillset in managing varying teams under pressure to meet production targets and maintain quality standards.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Production Shift Manager
Elis
Bishop Auckland
2026.01 - 2026.06
- Lead, motivate, and manage a diverse team of 35 production staff with 3 direct reports. Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing operator development to drive production performance and efficiency.
- Direct end-to-end production performance in an industrial laundry facility that produces 40,000 items per shift. Successfully balancing these throughput targets with strict EN14065 hygiene standards.
- Control staffing hours, maximise productivity, and monitor quality metrics to ensure seamless, on-time delivery.
- Minimise operational downtime by making decisive, high-pressure decisions and effectively bridging the gap between business goals and shop floor production.
- Driving continuous improvement through data analysis, root cause methodology and communicating with all levels to welcome feedback on potential process development.
- Manage initial incident reporting, through to investigations, case documentation, and final disciplinary outcomes where necessary.
- Promote an open-door policy where my team members feel able to raise concerns, share feedback and discuss any development needs I could help with.
Trainee Production Manager
Connor Solutions
Houghton
2024.03 - 2025.11
- Earned promotion from Trainee Production Manager to leadership role based on strong performance, dedication to continuous learning, and proven leadership capability.
- Managed a department of 20 staff with 2 direct reports, producing bespoke PCB box builds. Enhanced staff retention and development by conducting Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) that aligned with operational KPIs to improve skillset.
- Partnered closely with the engineering team for a new product line to proactively eliminate manufacturing defects or potential Health & Safety risks. Then in turn, maintaining a product that adheres to an ISO9001 and IPC Class 3 standard.
- Led production workflows, successfully meeting strict weekly shipping of approximately 2000 products through strategic workload planning, resource allocation and increasing efficiency across the board.
Assembly Technician
Caterpillar
Peterlee
2020.09 - 2024.02
- Executed complex assembly processes on all three models of articulated truck. Including hydraulic system integration, chassis marriage, and technical diagnostics as an experienced team member.
- Upheld Caterpillar’s "Right First Time" manufacturing ethos to then consistently achieve strict ISO9001 quality and production standards.
- Authorised to perform final inspections on colleagues’ work, validating manufacturing records to maintain high quality control.
- Resolved technical defects directly and managed compliance reporting to minimise errors on the assembly line.
Production Team Leader
Hitachi Rail
Newton Aycliffe
2016.02 - 2020.08
- Promoted to Team Leader following a successful tenure as a Production Operator, recognised for strong technical expertise, a proactive approach to process improvement, and natural leadership potential.
- Coordinated a team of 15 personnel, managing daily workloads for the new Abellio ScotRail (Class 385) design. This involved signing off completed work and managing constant communication to then consistently meet strict production targets.
- Acted as a key bridge between the shop floor and senior management, liaising with engineering and logistics departments to optimise team performance and prevent any stop of production.
- Utilised an adaptable and varied technical skillset to assemble world-class train sets, executing complex tasks including panel rigging, traction control system wiring, and pantograph unit installation.
- Maintained uncompromising attention to detail and ISO9001 quality standards.
- Supported individual performance through tailored guidance and constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement.
Production Operative
Nissan UK
Washington, Sunderland
2013.01 - 2016.01
- Utilised a diverse range of mechanical skills and specialised machinery to install major automotive components, including engines, exhaust systems, and axle sub-frames.
- Able to identify and report assembly line inefficiencies, actively contributing to continuous improvement of the production environment.
- Succeeded in a fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environment, consistently meeting strict production targets and cycle times.
- Selected to work on the launch and production roll-out of the new Infiniti car line, adapting quickly to new technical specifications and assembly requirements.
- Inspected finished components and completed vehicles against engineering and quality standards to ensure zero-defect delivery.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Sport & Exercise Science
Teesside University
Middlesbrough, Teesside 2009.09 - 2012.05
A Levels - PE, Maths, Sports & Leisure
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
Darlington 2007.09 - 2009.06
GCSEs - Maths, English, Science, PE, Graphic Design, ICT
Education Village
Darlington 2002.09 - 2007.05
Skills
- Ability to remain decisive and lead teams effectively during high-pressure scenarios
- Proficient in 5S lean manufacturing principles and streamlining workflows to meet KPIs
- Dedicated to fostering an approachable, collaborative environment for staff and senior management alike
- Extensive experience in Quality Assurance to ensure 100% compliance and operational standards
- Focused on people development through performance monitoring
- Prioritisation of workload with working in very challenging environments
Certification
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performance Manufacturing Operations
- Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Improving Operational Performance
- EAL Level 2 Award in Industrial Environment Awareness
- Advanced Driving for Articulated Trucks
- Slinging and Lifting Operations
Affiliations
- I currently do online coaching for 5 people around my working and personal life. I have also recently started coaching 2 SEN teenagers to promote their confidence, due to bullying within school.
- Strongman competitions. Have competed, and been successful in, numerous events in recent years. I really enjoy the discipline and having to be self-motivated within the sport.
- Visiting new scenic locations with my partner and dog.
Timeline
Production Shift Manager
Elis
2026.01 - 2026.06
Trainee Production Manager
Connor Solutions
2024.03 - 2025.11
Assembly Technician
Caterpillar
2020.09 - 2024.02
Production Team Leader
Hitachi Rail
2016.02 - 2020.08
Production Operative
Nissan UK
2013.01 - 2016.01
BSc (Hons) - Sport & Exercise Science
Teesside University
2009.09 - 2012.05
A Levels - PE, Maths, Sports & Leisure
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
2007.09 - 2009.06
GCSEs - Maths, English, Science, PE, Graphic Design, ICT
Education Village
2002.09 - 2007.05