At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure high-quality, defect-free paint products.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a leader in manufacturing with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, bonuses, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving quality and continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in paint inspection and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35200 - 39000 £ per year.
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 ensuring work is carried out safely and efficiently in a controlled manufacturing environment. This role requires strong leadership, keen attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
What You Will Do
- 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
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave plus 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 – access to 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 Inc.
Caterpillar is an exceptional employer located in Desford, Leicestershire, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive benefits such as a generous annual leave policy, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for continuous improvement training, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while contributing to high-quality manufacturing standards. Join us to be part of a team that values safety, quality, and innovation in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader (Paint Quality) – Days in Desford
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨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 Caterpillar Inc., 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 (Paint Quality) – Days in Desford
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 Caterpillar Inc. 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 Caterpillar Inc.
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Caterpillar Inc., 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 Caterpillar Inc. 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.
