At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic composites team and oversee production processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing business in Nuneaton with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the composites industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in composites manufacturing and strong team leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are recruiting an experienced Composites Team Leader for a leading manufacturing business based in Nuneaton. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced senior composites professional to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of a busy composites department. Reporting to the Production Manager, you will lead and support a team of composite laminators and trimmers, ensuring work is completed efficiently, to the required quality standards and within agreed production timescales. The role will involve a combination of hands-on composites work, production planning, quality control and team leadership, with a focus on maintaining high standards of workmanship and continually improving departmental performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and supervise the day-to-day activities of the composites department, supporting and developing a team of laminators and trimmers.
- Plan, organise and monitor workloads to ensure production targets and customer deadlines are achieved.
- Undertake and oversee the manufacture of composite components and tooling across a range of products.
- Carry out and supervise composite laminating, trimming, bonding, drilling, tapping and finishing operations.
- Work with carbon fibre, glass fibre and other composite materials.
- Oversee pre-preg laminating processes, including the operation of autoclaves and ovens.
- Develop templates and manufacturing processes for new products.
- Ensure drawings, route cards and work instructions are accurate and clearly understood.
- Monitor product quality, ensuring components meet customer specifications and required standards.
- Identify and resolve production and quality issues, implementing improvements where necessary.
- Support the training and development of team members, sharing technical knowledge and best practice.
- Ensure machinery, equipment and tooling are maintained in good working order.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping, organisation and health and safety throughout the department.
- Work closely with the Production Manager and wider manufacturing team to improve productivity and departmental efficiency.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Previous experience in a composites manufacturing environment, ideally as a Senior Composite Laminator or Composites Supervisor.
- Strong practical knowledge of composite laminating, trimming, bonding and finishing processes.
- Experience working with carbon fibre and glass fibre composite materials.
- Knowledge of pre-preg manufacturing and autoclave processes.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, route cards and technical work instructions.
- Experience of planning workloads and ensuring production targets and deadlines are achieved.
- Strong understanding of quality standards and manufacturing procedures.
- Excellent attention to detail, with a commitment to producing high-quality components.
- Good communication and organisational skills, with the ability to motivate and support a team.
- A hands-on approach to problem-solving and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
- Previous experience in a Composites Team Leader, Supervisor or similar management position.
- Experience training, mentoring and developing less experienced composite laminators and trimmers.
- Motorsport or automotive composites manufacturing experience.
- Experience producing bespoke composite components and tooling.
- Knowledge of manufacturing process development and continuous improvement.
Composites Team Leader employer: First Base
As a Production Engineer at our aerospace manufacturing facility in Staverton, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and continuous improvement. We offer a competitive salary, a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and collaboration, and ample opportunities for professional growth within the industry. Join us to contribute to cutting-edge projects while enjoying a balanced work schedule that promotes a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Composites Team Leader
✨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 First Base, 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 Composites Team Leader
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 First Base 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 First Base
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with First Base, 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 First Base 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.
