Manufacturing Team Leader in Hitchin

Reporting to the Value Stream Supervisor, this role is responsible for the planning, execution and delivery of the order book, ensuring that the daily manufacturing plan is delivered in line with Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Growth targets. The Team Leader is responsible for planning and releasing work orders to satisfy demand, be it for sales orders, safety stock, forecast or Kanban demand. They also have responsibility for identifying and removing roadblocks to safely delivering orders to the right quality and on time.

The successful candidate will drive high levels of employee engagement and involvement across the value stream through the utilisation of effective channels of communications and promoting an inclusive and respectful company culture.

Responsibilities include:

• Proactively lead and motivate teams of employees to achieve both value stream and business targets and objectives, whilst ensuring that all processes and procedures are fully adhered to in line with 5S.
• Conduct root cause analysis and manage and implement corrective actions when issues are identified.
• Actively use the Crane Business System tools to identify and implement productivity improvements.
• Support the SQDCG process by updating and displaying the necessary KPI information on the SQDCG board on a daily basis and use it to analyse root cause and drive improvements.
• Identify, assist and drive the training and development of direct reports.
• Assist with absence management and disciplinary cases when required.
• Fully investigate accident or near-miss incidents, and facilitate corrective and preventive actions as appropriate.
• Monitor manufacturing performance against plan, identification and resolution of downfalls and communication of potential issues to the Value Stream Supervisor.
• Effective maintenance and control of stock levels through PI system and audits; driving corrective actions where necessary.
• Scheduling of raw materials through Kanban systems.
• In conjunction with the Value Stream Supervisor ensure an appropriate labour plan is in place to meet plans.
• Produce shortage reports and liaise with supply chain to ensure that countermeasures are implemented to prevent OTD misses.
• Support the generation of 3 in 1's for any metric misses in the month.
• Ensure effective inventory control over work in process, and component stocks.
• Assist the engineering functions within the business to process prototype / refurbishment / rework orders through the manufacturing facility.

The successful candidate must have at least 3 years' experience in a leadership role within a similar environment, which may include direct team management or leading cross-functional initiatives, projects, or process improvements. They will possess excellent communication and influencing skills with the ability to develop, manage and motivate others. A positive, hands-on individual who can think strategically, applicants will be able to demonstrate initiative, drive and a strong desire to achieve results through driving continuous improvement.