At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers while staying hands-on with technical support and problem-solving.
- Company: Join a high-precision manufacturing company in Hedge End, Southampton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a clean room environment with high standards of quality.
- Why this job: Combine your engineering skills with leadership in a dynamic production environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing engineering and a passion for coaching others.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Location: Hedge End, Southampton
Salary: Circa £50,000 - £55,000
Type: Permanent
We're recruiting for an Operations Engineering Team Leader to join a high-precision manufacturing environment in Hedge End, Southampton. This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for leading a small team of around 5-6 engineers while remaining technically involved in the day-to-day engineering support of production. The role would suit a Senior or Lead Manufacturing Engineer looking to take their first step into formal people leadership, as well as an experienced engineering leader who enjoys staying close to the technical detail.
The Role
- You'll lead the engineering support function for production, ensuring issues are identified and resolved quickly while driving improvements across quality, yield, efficiency and manufacturing processes.
- It's roughly a 50/50 split between leadership and technical delivery, so this is not a role for someone looking to move entirely away from the engineering detail.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Day-to-day leadership and management of a team of 5-6 engineers
- Providing engineering support to production and resolving technical issues
- Leading problem solving and root cause analysis
- Driving continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives
- Identifying opportunities to reduce scrap and improve production yield
- Supporting high-precision mechanical assembly processes
- Working within a clean room manufacturing environment and maintaining exceptionally high assembly standards
- Supporting production team meetings and providing a strong engineering presence
- Reviewing and improving manufacturing processes, with a focus on quality, repeatability and efficiency
- Supporting FMEA activity and risk-based problem solving
- Ensuring the quality and suitability of materials used within the manufacturing process
- Coaching, mentoring and developing team members
- Allocating work, managing priorities and ensuring engineering tasks are delivered effectively
- Acting as a technical lead within a busy, high-pressure production environment
About You
We're looking for someone with a strong manufacturing or production engineering background, who is comfortable getting into the detail and solving problems rather than simply managing from a distance. You could be:
- A Senior Manufacturing Engineer or Lead Manufacturing Engineer ready to move into your first formal leadership role
- An experienced Engineering Team Leader or Manager who remains technically hands-on
- A manufacturing engineer who has already had some responsibility for coaching, mentoring or informally leading others
You’ll ideally bring experience of:
- Manufacturing or production engineering
- Leading, coaching or mentoring engineers or technical teams
- Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement
- Root cause analysis and structured problem solving
- Yield improvement and scrap reduction
- FMEA and quality-focused engineering
- High-precision mechanical assembly or similarly detailed manufacturing environments
- Working to very high standards of quality and process control
You’ll need to be comfortable working in a high-pressure production environment, able to prioritise effectively and confident making decisions when technical issues arise. Just as importantly, you’ll be someone who is willing to learn, gets involved and enjoys understanding how things are built. The products involve high-precision, fine mechanical assembly, so attention to detail and an appreciation of quality are essential. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to combine their technical manufacturing engineering experience with genuine people leadership, without losing the hands-on element of the role.
Locations
Operations Engineering Team Leader Manufacturing in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Gerrell & Hard
Gerrell & Hard is an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the automotive and motorsport sectors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, we provide our team with the tools and support needed to excel in their roles. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment that values innovation and robust commercial outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Engineering Team Leader Manufacturing in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨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 Gerrell & Hard, 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 Operations Engineering Team Leader Manufacturing in Hampshire, Portsmouth
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 Gerrell & Hard 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 Gerrell & Hard
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Gerrell & Hard, 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 Gerrell & Hard 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.
