At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure high-quality paint products and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, bonuses, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with limitless career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a sustainable company while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in paint inspection and strong problem-solving abilities.
The predicted salary is between 35200 - 39000 £ per year.
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Salary: £35,200 rising to £39,000 when role objectives are met
Contract: Full time & permanent
Hours: Full Time – 37.5 hours (multi-shift): Monday–Thursday 06:00–15:00 and Friday 06:00–09:30, with flexibility in hours to meet business needs.
Location: Desford, Leicestershire
The Opportunity: As a Team Leader in Paint Pre-Delivery Inspection, you will lead and support a team to deliver high-quality, defect-free products to customers. You will focus on improving quality, reducing defects, and making sure work is carried out safely and efficiently in a controlled manufacturing environment. This role requires strong leadership, good attention to detail, and a focus on continuous improvement.
What you will do: As a Team Leader, you are accountable for, but not limited to:
- Leading the team to achieve daily targets across Health & Safety, People, Quality, Delivery and Cost, in line with Caterpillar Production System standards
- Identifying and resolving defects, ensuring issues are clearly communicated and escalated where needed
- Recording and tracking defects using visual management systems and reporting tools
- Supporting testing, inspections and investigations to find root causes and improve product quality
- Developing team capability through training, managing skills matrices, and updating standard work
- Leading and taking part in Continuous Improvement activities, including improvement workshops
What You Can Demonstrate:
- Leadership: Lead and motivate a team to deliver daily targets in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, ensuring high engagement and performance
- Quality focus: Identify, investigate and resolve defects using structured problem-solving to drive right-first-time quality
- Paint knowledge: Apply knowledge of paint and inspection processes to manage workflow, meet production targets, and maintain standards
- Continuous improvement: Drive continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies and supporting activities that improve safety, quality and productivity
Top Candidates will have:
- Demonstrate hands-on experience in paint or pre-delivery inspection, applying knowledge of paint systems, preparation, and finishing standards
- Use structured problem-solving to investigate and resolve quality issues in a manufacturing environment
- Work effectively within a lean environment, contributing to continuous improvement and operational performance
What You Will Get: One Company, Limitless Opportunities
Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.
Our Sustainability Commitment: Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.
Benefits: 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday, Production Bonus, contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%, contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution, Employee Support Networks – join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community, optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc.
Travel: Not required
Posting Dates: June 2, 2026 - June 17, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Team Leader (Paint Quality) – Days in Desford employer: Caterpillar Brazil
Caterpillar Inc. is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees in Desford, Leicestershire. With a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement, we offer a supportive work culture, comprehensive benefits including generous annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and numerous opportunities for career growth across various sectors. Join us to be part of a global team dedicated to innovation and quality, where your contributions truly shape the future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader (Paint Quality) – Days in Desford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Caterpillar's values and recent projects. When you walk into that interview, you want to show that you're not just another candidate – you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or improved processes. Caterpillar is all about quality and continuous improvement, so be ready to share how you've made a difference in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Prepare to discuss how you've tackled defects or quality issues in previous jobs. Use structured approaches to demonstrate your ability to drive right-first-time quality – it’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the Team Leader position.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader (Paint Quality) – Days in Desford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Team Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience, quality focus, and any relevant paint knowledge to stand out.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and improve quality. Use numbers or examples to make your impact clear!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and ensure you address all the key criteria mentioned in the job description.
Apply Early!:We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so don’t wait! Get your application in through our website to ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Brazil
✨Know Your Paint Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of paint systems and inspection processes. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in a manufacturing environment. Caterpillar values hands-on experience, so share specific examples of how you've tackled quality issues.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Team Leader, you'll need to motivate and guide your team. Prepare to talk about your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led a team to meet targets. Think about times when you’ve improved team engagement or performance – these stories will resonate well.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Caterpillar is all about driving continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss any initiatives you've led or participated in that improved safety, quality, or productivity. Use structured problem-solving examples to illustrate how you’ve identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle defects and quality issues. Practice articulating your thought process in resolving problems, from identifying the root cause to implementing corrective actions. This will show your analytical skills and commitment to quality.
