Production Team Leader - Linea Research in Letchworth

The Production Team Leader is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the day‑to‑day activities of the production department to ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, on time, and to the required quality standards.

Location: Letchworth Garden City

Term: Full‑time, Permanent

Salary: Negotiable + benefits

The role is part of the Operations team, working closely with Purchasing, R&D/Engineering, Quality, Warehouse, Sales and Service to achieve production schedules and meet customer requirements.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising production staff, maintaining workflow, ensuring adherence to build and test procedures, and driving continuous improvement.
• Health & Safety, product quality, on‑time delivery, and production efficiency are key responsibilities.
• Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, 8:30 am–5 pm, with a 1‑hour lunch break.

Duties:

• Plan, coordinate and supervise daily production activities to ensure production schedules are achieved.
• Work with the Site & Operations Manager and Planning functions to develop and maintain production schedules in line with business requirements and customer demand.
• Allocate work and manage resources within the Production team to meet production targets and deadlines.
• Supervise and support production staff in the assembly and testing of products, ensuring all work is carried out in accordance with SOPs and R&D/Engineering build documentation and Quality standards.
• Monitor production output and report performance against plan, highlighting risks, delays, or issues where necessary.
• Ensure all production documentation is completed accurately, including work orders, training records, production records, test records and dispatch information.
• Work closely with Quality Control, R&D/Engineering and Service departments to resolve production and quality issues and implement corrective actions where required.
• Ensure all products are tested in accordance with company procedures and test results are recorded correctly.
• Record, monitor and manage rework and production failures, identifying root causes and implementing improvements where possible.
• Liaise with Purchasing regarding material shortages and ensure production is aware of any supply issues that may affect the production schedule.
• Support the timely dispatch of finished goods and service items in line with customer requirements.
• Maintain production tools, equipment and work areas to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) into production in collaboration with R&D and Engineering.
• Drive continuous improvement activities to improve production efficiency, quality and waste reduction by developing a culture of team collaboration and Lean Manufacturing.
• Ensure Health & Safety policies and procedures are followed at all times and maintain a safe working environment, including prioritising the reporting and addressing of unsafe acts or conditions.
• Ensure the training, development and induction of production staff is carried out.
• Ensure there are regular daily team huddles and monthly meetings with the Production Team, ensuring they are updated on safety, quality, production, and improvement performance.

Secondary Functions:

• Support stock control and inventory accuracy within the production environment, including participation in stock takes.
• Assist with the evaluation, introduction and implementation of new production equipment, tools and processes.
• Provide production input into planning, purchasing and engineering meetings as required.
• Assist in the development and improvement of production processes, SOPs and documentation.
• Provide support to other areas of the Operations department where required.
• Perform other general duties as required in support of the Operations function.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide day‑to‑day supervision, guidance and support to production staff.
• Monitor timekeeping, attendance, performance and productivity of production staff.
• Ensure the training and development of production staff to maintain required skill levels.
• Collaborate with the Line Manager and HR for processes relating to recruitment, performance reviews and disciplinary actions where required and raise any HR queries and concerns with the Line Manager and HR.
• Promote a positive and professional team working environment, communicating clear expectations to the team.
• Carry out absence management including return‑to‑work interviews.
• Provide regular feedback to team members including identifying training and development needs.
• Ensure Line Manager and HR are updated on any individual team member issues.

Skills And Experience Required:

• Experience working within a manufacturing or production environment is essential.
• Supervisory or team leader experience preferred.
• Electronics manufacturing or electro‑mechanical assembly experience desirable.
• Good understanding of production processes, workflow planning and manufacturing operations within an electronics environment.
• Ability to read and follow technical build documentation and procedures.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Good problem‑solving skills and ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Excel, Outlook, Word, SharePoint, OneDrive).
• Experience using ERP/MRP or production control systems.
• Understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high quality standards.
• Lean Manufacturing experience is desirable.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
• The opportunity to join our Group Pension, Income Protection, Life Assurance, Health Cash Plan and Private Medical Insurance schemes.
• The opportunity to participate in our Group Bonus scheme.
• The opportunity to join our Bike to Work scheme.