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- Tasks: Lead machine set-ups and tool changes while mentoring a dynamic team.
- Company: Established plastics manufacturer with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Step up your career in a hands-on role that makes a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in injection moulding and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with a commitment to safety and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
5S Recruitment is supporting a well-established plastics manufacturer in the appointment of a Lead Setter to take ownership of machine set-ups, tool changes, and on-shift technical leadership. This is a hands-on, shop-floor leadership role. You will be responsible not only for process stability and output, but also for leading and developing a small team of setters, tool slingers, and apprentices, acting as the technical point of contact on shift. The role suits an experienced setter ready to step up or an existing lead setter who enjoys accountability, structure, and getting the best out of both machines and people.
Key Responsibilities
- Take an active role in daily production meetings, contributing technical input and shift feedback.
- Ensure machines are running to target cycle times, quality standards, and output requirements.
- Lead and allocate work to setters, tool slingers, and apprentices across the shift.
- Monitor team performance and support training and development plans.
- Carry out and oversee machine set-ups and tool changes, optimising processes for efficiency.
- Ensure production plans are followed, with all changes clearly recorded and justified.
- Accurately log downtime, faults, and root causes, escalating issues where required.
- Report machine breakdowns and technical issues promptly to the General Production Manager / Planner.
- Introduce and reinforce good working practices in line with site standards.
- Ensure scrap is removed and handled correctly in line with procedure.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment at all times.
- Enforce adherence to health, safety, environmental, and PPE requirements.
- Apply fair and firm discipline in line with company disciplinary and grievance procedures.
- Complete tasks and instructions set by the General Production Manager.
Skills & Experience
- Strong mechanical and engineering knowledge within injection moulding.
- 3–5 years’ experience as a setter in the plastics injection moulding industry.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, or supervise a shop-floor team.
- Confident handling performance management, discipline, and grievance processes.
- Analytical, decisive, and comfortable thinking on your feet.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Clear communicator with good organisational and time-management skills.
- Able to work under pressure and deliver against production targets.
- Willing to be accountable for both personal performance and team output.
Qualifications (Desirable)
- Engineering or Manufacturing-related qualification.
- Business Improvement Techniques - Level 3.
- S/NVQ Level 2 - Performing Manufacturing Operations.
- S/NVQ Level 2 - Performing Engineering Operations.
- Engineering Apprenticeship including:
- Level 2 S/NVQ (e.g. Materials Processing & Finishing).
- Level 2 Technical Certificate (e.g. Production Engineering / Composites).
This vacancy is being managed confidentially by 5S Recruitment.
Lead Injection Mould Setter employer: 5S Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
5S Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Injection Mould Setter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their values, culture, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical knowledge! Since this role is all about injection moulding, brush up on your mechanical and engineering skills. Be ready to discuss specific processes and how you've optimised them in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Prepare examples of how you've led teams or mentored others. Highlight your ability to handle performance management and how you’ve developed team members in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Injection Mould Setter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Injection Mould Setter role. Highlight your experience in injection moulding, leadership skills, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this hands-on role. Share specific examples of your achievements in previous positions, especially around team leadership and process optimisation.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your mechanical and engineering knowledge. We’re looking for someone who can confidently handle machine set-ups and tool changes, so make sure to mention any relevant experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 5S Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and engineering knowledge, especially related to injection moulding. Be ready to discuss specific processes, tools, and techniques you've used in the past. This will show that you're not just a leader but also technically savvy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you mentored others or handled performance management. Being able to articulate your leadership style and how you motivate your team will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills. Have a few real-life examples ready where you identified issues, implemented solutions, and improved processes. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and decisiveness under pressure.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Good communication is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you would handle daily production meetings and provide feedback. Show that you can convey technical information effectively to your team.
