At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production operations and ensure high-quality delivery in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading organisation focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day working fortnight, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading teams and driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in production and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37670 - 40000 £ per year.
Burghfield, located between Reading and Basingstoke (free onsite parking).
Salary: £37,670‑£40,000, dependent on suitability, qualifications and experience.
Working pattern: 9‑day working fortnight (Monday–Thursday 07:45–16:30, 5th day 07:45–16:15; 8.25 hours/day with every other Friday off). Shift allowances apply following completion of training.
Responsibilities
- Provide supervision of all operations within the area of responsibility.
- Ensure day‑to‑day delivery of programme within manufacturing areas.
- Engage and support local relationships to promote high‑performing teams.
- Ensure staff are competent and trained to carry out tasks safely, to time, cost and quality.
- Support production scheduling to meet customer requirements.
- Manage KPI metrics on schedule, quality, safety, delivery and cost.
- Lead and deliver the local Accountability Board (Visual Management Boards).
- Actively engage and support the Production Associate PDG process.
- Give advice, coaching and career‑development guidance.
- Promote and sponsor operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Work effectively with others and build required relationships and interfaces.
- Provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.
- Adopt a "See It, Own It, Solve It" mindset to find solutions.
- Perform other reasonable duties as required by line management.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead direct reports to plan and deliver authorised programmes, tasks and projects to time, cost, and quality.
- Maintain and promote high personal and team standards in safety, health, security and quality.
- Collaborate with the Chief Engineer and company authorities as required.
Qualifications
- Proven experience within production, manufacturing or training environment.
- Strong leadership and communication skills – ability to coach, mentor and develop others.
- Experience delivering training or developing team capability in an operational environment.
- Experience leading teams in safety‑critical or highly regulated environment.
- Knowledge of continuous improvement methods such as Lean or Six Sigma.
- Ability to plan, organise and prioritise production activities.
- Calm, constructive approach in a priority‑changing environment; manages own workload.
- Initiative, enthusiasm, flexible approach and ability to work to tight deadlines.
- British citizenship and residency of at least 5 years in the UK (required for security clearance).
Benefits
- 9‑day working fortnight – every other Friday off.
- 270 hours annual leave.
- Market‑leading contributory pension scheme (9–13% of pay).
- Maternity leave 39 weeks full pay; paternity leave 4 weeks full pay.
- Professional career development funding for relevant professional bodies.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
- Life assurance 4× annual salary.
- Access to savings discounts on everyday spending.
- Special leave policy for volunteering, public service and caring.
- Limited work‑from‑home; majority of time on site at AWE Aldermaston.
Team Leader Production Operations employer: Atomic Weapons Establishment
At AWE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique 9-day working fortnight that allows for a better work-life balance, alongside competitive salaries and a market-leading pension scheme. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through professional development funding and a supportive work culture that promotes inclusivity and operational excellence, making Burghfield an ideal location for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in production operations.
Contact Details:
Atomic Weapons Establishment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader Production Operations
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Atomic Weapons Establishment, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader Production Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Atomic Weapons Establishment specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atomic Weapons Establishment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Atomic Weapons Establishment, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Atomic Weapons Establishment value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
