Manufacturing Supervisor in Reading

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation. At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD. We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, pregnancy & maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived. We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.

The Manufacturing Supervisor is a player‑coach role, combining leadership responsibilities with hands‑on operational tasks. You will oversee production activities, ensure compliance with UK health and safety standards, and actively participate in quality control and assembly work as needed. This position is critical to maintaining efficiency, quality, and team engagement in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• Lead and support production staff to achieve output and quality targets.
• Perform hands‑on assembly and quality control tasks alongside the team when required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization.
• Coordinate daily production schedules, materials, and manpower to meet business objectives.
• Resolve operational issues promptly and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to improve workflows.
• Ensure compliance with UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines and relevant employment legislation, including the Equality Act 2010.
• Support and reinforce safe systems of work and report hazards, incidents, and near misses in line with company procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting for production and quality standards.
• Foster a positive, inclusive work environment and coach team members for development.

• Ability to lead by example and perform operational tasks when needed.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast‑paced setting.
• Knowledge of UK health and safety regulations.

• Ability to carry out essential duties of the role safely, including frequent lifting, carrying, and moving of items weighing up to 20 kg, in line with the UK health and safety standards. Reasonable adjustments will be made where required.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance in line with operational requirements of the role.

• Full‑time role, onsite Monday‑Friday. Occasional overtime may be required in line with the Working Time Regulations.
• No regular travel expected.

To be considered for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

• GCSEs (or equivalent) and/or demonstratable relevant experience; A‑Levels or vocational qualifications are desirable.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a manufacturing or assembly environment.
• Previous supervisory experience (1–2 years) is desirable.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to make day‑to‑day operational decisions.

£50,000 - £55,000 a year. The compensation range indicated in this posting reflects the On‑Target Earnings (“OTE”) for this role, which includes a base salary and any applicable target bonus amount. This OTE range may vary based on the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Why AHEAD: Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between. We fuel growth by stacking our office with top‑notch technologies in a multi‑million‑dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.