At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic production team, ensuring smooth operations and driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Gripple, a 100% employee-owned innovator in manufacturing since 1989.
- Benefits: Enjoy share ownership, generous holidays, private healthcare, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for growth and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a fun, inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in high-volume production and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37000 £ per year.
Unleash your potential. Change the game with Gripple. We’re on the hunt for a dynamic and driven production team leader with strong communication skills to lead a team of production operators at our Old West Gun Works manufacturing site. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident, hard-working individual capable of working both as part of a team and on their own.
Why Gripple? We’re not just innovators—we’re game-changers. Since 1989, Gripple has led the charge in wire joining and suspension systems. As a 100% employee-owned business, we don’t just hire talent—we invest in it. You’ll be backed by a global infrastructure, a powerhouse support team, and a culture that champions ownership, passion, and performance.
What’s in it for you:
- Share ownership: Buy a stake in Gripple and the GLIDE group and share in our success
- 15% non-contributory pension
- 32 days’ holiday, increasing with long service
- Private healthcare, family-focused policies, and exceptional benefits that support your wellbeing at every stage
The role: As a team leader, you’ll be on the shop floor leading by example, solving problems in real time, and keeping production running smoothly. Reporting to a senior team leader, you’ll lead a team of operators, ensuring that safety, quality, and efficiency are never compromised. You’ll be responsible for hitting key performance targets like 85% OEE and 99% on-time delivery, while managing labour, workflow, and stock levels across the team. Communication is key, as you’ll be the link between your team, internal departments, and the wider supply chain. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll coach and develop your team, drive continuous improvement, and make sure the team works towards our strategic plan – Rewired 2028.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading and motivating your team to deliver operational excellence
- Owning key departmental operational KPIs including H&S, 5S, OEE, delivery
- Managing labour efficiency, supporting team development and performance
- Driving continuous improvement aligned with our five-year plan
- Supporting digital transformation initiatives ensuring your team adopt new ways of working
- Hosting daily production meetings and delivering weekly team updates
- Ensuring first-line quality assurance and managing non-conformances
- Using strategic, operational, and performance data from the D365 system to lead the team, identify opportunities for improvement, monitor outcomes, and support the delivery of business objectives through informed, evidence-based decision making
Who you are: To be considered for an interview, you must have the following:
- Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a high-volume production setting, demonstrating strong people skills and 5E leadership behaviours
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and a proactive, hands-on attitude
- Solid understanding of lean manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain principles
- Organised, calm under pressure, and confident in solving problems independently
- Experience with machine operation or engineering is a plus
- Experience implementing and working to standard business processes
- Comfortable engaging with colleagues at all levels, including senior management
- Strong IT skills, including ERP systems (preferably D365), Excel, and Outlook
Working hours: The position will entail working regular mornings and afternoons on a two-week shift pattern, Mon-Thurs 6.00am-2.00pm or 2.00pm-10.00pm and Fri 6.00am-1.00pm or 1.00pm-8.00pm. Night shift, day shift, and weekend work may also be required to meet the demands of the business, and you may also be required to help in other areas on site. A flexible, ‘can do’ attitude is therefore paramount.
The Gripple Spirit: Our values – fun, integrity, passion, entrepreneurship, teamwork, innovation – aren’t just words on a wall. They shape everything we do. Join us, and you’ll experience true work-life balance in an inclusive and caring workplace where your ideas matter, and your impact is felt globally.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued with a sense of belonging. If there are any adjustments that would help your experience with Gripple, please let us know when you apply.
Production Team Leader in Sheffield employer: Gripple UK & Ireland
Gripple is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of ownership, teamwork, and innovation at our Sheffield location. We prioritise employee growth through continuous improvement initiatives and provide a supportive environment where you can lead by example and make a real impact on production efficiency and quality. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and encourages professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Team Leader in Sheffield
✨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 Gripple UK & Ireland, 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 Production Team Leader in Sheffield
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 Gripple UK & Ireland 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 Gripple UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Gripple UK & Ireland, 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 Gripple UK & Ireland 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.
