Production Team Leader

The vacancy is for a permanent position at the i54 Manufacturing Site, requiring 40 hours per week with potential shift cover. We are looking for an experienced Production Team Leader to join our Production team, reporting to the Production Supervisor. This is a hands-on leadership role with an 80/20 split — 80% of your time will be spent providing leadership, direction, and support to operatives within your team, and 20% actively working within the production area.

You will work closely with the Management Team to drive efficiency, maintain quality standards, and ensure KPIs and targets are consistently met. You will be responsible for the performance, development, and engagement of your team, from pre-shift briefings and labour planning through to performance management and continuous improvement.

What You Will Be Responsible For:

• Leading and supporting your team to deliver against production targets, quality standards, and operational KPIs.
• Providing leadership, direction, and support to operatives within the team to achieve agreed targets and deadlines.
• Ensuring the team is ready to commence manufacturing at the start of each shift, including pre-start-up checks and reporting any labour issues immediately to the Shift Supervisor.
• Holding the team accountable for their performance, adhering to company processes and procedures.
• Conducting personal development reviews with team members.
• Planning, organising, and managing labour resources to ensure the Production Plan is met.
• Running the assigned area of production in accordance with product specifications, company standards, and procedures regarding Safety, Quality, Quantity, and Cost.
• Reporting and supporting to achieve KPIs in your areas and escalating any roadblocks to the Supervisor.
• Carrying out team briefings at the start of each shift, ensuring KPIs are discussed and issues resolved.
• Attending and contributing to team meetings and wider management team meetings.
• Conducting T&A meetings and managing people within your shift.
• Working constructively with all areas of the business.
• Maintaining Health, Safety, and quality standards in accordance with company rules and regulations.
• Analysing key issues affecting equipment within your area of responsibility and taking or organising corrective action.
• Working closely with the Management Team to drive efficiency and effectiveness within the department.

For This Role We Would Need You To Demonstrate:

• Results-driven, people-focused, and confident leading from the front in a manufacturing environment.
• A proven track record in a similar role, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
• A clear understanding of people management, Health & Safety, and quality systems.
• Strong people management skills with the ability to drive performance and develop the team.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan workloads effectively and prioritise under pressure.
• Demonstrated leadership skills — confident, committed, and able to accept responsibility.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written in English.
• The ability to operate computers and computer software.
• Competence in having difficult conversations with team members to ensure alignment with targets and processes.
• The ability to develop effective working relationships across all departments.

Desirable:

• Previous experience within a ceramics manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with IT software including MS Office and ERP systems.
• Relevant qualifications including IOSH Managing Safely.
• Shop floor Lean experience.

Core Competencies:

• Cultivates Innovation — Always remain curious.
• Active Learner — Take every opportunity to grow your own capability.
• Collaborates — Use your network, sharing knowledge and skills.
• Plans and Aligns — Make it relevant, make it purposeful.

Why Join Us?

You will be part of a supportive and driven production team at our i54 site, with real ownership over your area and the people within it. This role offers hands-on leadership, exposure to continuous improvement, and long-term career development within a global manufacturing business.