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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate a team in transforming corrugated board into customer-ready packaging.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, and employee assistance programme.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role with real career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and strong teamwork skills.
- Other info: Supportive environment focused on safety, development, and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 49000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Conversion Team Leader to join our team here at Blunham, at a time of growth and expansion within our Conversion area. Conversion is a critical part of our manufacturing process, where corrugated board is transformed into finished, customer-ready packaging. This includes activities such as cutting, printing, folding, gluing, and finishing products to exact customer specifications. As a Conversion Team Leader, you will play a key role in ensuring this process runs safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. This role is ideal for an experienced production team member or current Team Leader who is looking to take the next step in their leadership journey. You will have hands-on involvement in production while also being responsible for leading, coaching, and developing a growing team of operators and assistants.
Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and support a team within the Conversion production area
- Be hands-on with day-to-day machine operations, setting the standard for safe and effective working
- Allocate labour and resources to meet production plans, output targets, and customer requirements
- Coach, train, and develop operators and assistants to build capability, flexibility, and engagement
- Ensure strict adherence to Health & Safety, Quality, Housekeeping, and Environmental standards
- Monitor performance, identify issues, and support corrective actions to maintain flow and efficiency
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including waste reduction, efficiency improvements, and best practice
- Communicate effectively with Shift Managers, Engineering, and Support Functions to resolve operational challenges
- Support new starters and skill development as the Conversion team continues to expand
What We’re Looking For
- Proven Team Leader or supervisory experience in a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety and quality standards
- Ability to lead by example with a hands-on, practical approach
- Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused mindset
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
- Desire to develop others and build a high-performing team
- Willingness to learn and grow within a leadership role
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to step into or further develop a leadership role within a global, market-leading organisation
- Be part of an expanding Conversion operation with real career progression opportunities
- Gain valuable experience in people leadership, production management, and continuous improvement
- Work in a supportive environment where safety, development, and improvement are key priorities
What we can offer you
- Competitive salary
- Qualifying Sick Pay scheme
- Pension scheme & Life insurance
- Share Save scheme
- Income Protection
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccine
- Cycle to Work and shopping discounts
Conversion Team Leader in Bedford employer: DS Smith
Contact Detail:
DS Smith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Conversion Team Leader in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DS Smith on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research DS Smith’s values and recent projects in the Conversion area. Show us that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about our mission and can contribute to our growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on your leadership experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in production. We want to see your hands-on approach and problem-solving skills shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you’re enthusiastic about the role and appreciate the opportunity to chat with the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Conversion Team Leader in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in manufacturing and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Conversion Team Leader, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your hands-on approach to leadership. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past – we love to see that proactive mindset!
Highlight Safety and Quality Focus: Since health and safety are crucial in our operations, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have in maintaining safety standards and quality control. This will show us you understand the importance of these aspects in production.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Conversion Team Leader. Familiarise yourself with the production processes like cutting, printing, and gluing. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you've motivated others to achieve production targets. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to coach and develop team members.
✨Emphasise Safety and Quality Standards
Since health and safety are crucial in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of these standards. Share any experiences where you ensured compliance or improved safety measures in your previous roles. This shows you're proactive and solutions-focused.
✨Prepare for Continuous Improvement Discussions
Think about instances where you've driven efficiency improvements or waste reduction in a production environment. Be ready to discuss your ideas on best practices and how you can contribute to ongoing improvements at DS Smith.
