At a Glance
- Tasks: Support production management and drive continuous improvement in a busy manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join DENSO, a global leader in advanced automotive technology and sustainable manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, life assurance, and structured career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a globally recognised manufacturing organisation.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in operations with hands-on experience and mentorship from industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Are you a recent graduate looking to take your first step into a leadership role within a world-class manufacturing environment? Do you have the ambition to develop your people management skills, drive continuous improvement and build a successful career in operations?
DENSO is a global leader in advanced automotive technology, systems and components, renowned for innovation, quality and sustainable manufacturing. At DENSO Marston Ltd in Shipley, West Yorkshire, we design and manufacture high-performance heat exchange units and cooling modules for leading OEMs across the off-highway construction, agricultural and engine power markets.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated graduate to gain hands-on experience within a large-scale manufacturing operation while developing the skills required for a future management career.
Working Hours & Benefits
- Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Friday: 8:30am-1:30pm
- Following training, you will transition onto the alternating shift pattern comprising of 6am-2pm/2pm-10pm working hours
- Benefits include:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Permanent Health Insurance (following qualifying period)
- Structured development and career progression opportunities
- Exposure to a global manufacturing business
- Opportunity to work alongside experienced production leaders
The Role
This is a development-focused supervisory position that offers a unique opportunity to gain broad exposure across production operations while supporting the day-to-day running of a busy manufacturing environment. Working closely with experienced Production Supervisors and Managers, you will develop an understanding of production management, continuous improvement, team leadership and operational performance.
You will contribute to a range of administrative, operational and improvement activities while gaining valuable insight into how a high-performing manufacturing facility operates.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Production Supervisors in the day-to-day management of production activities
- Develop and maintain process documentation in line with quality management systems
- Liaise with multiple departments across the manufacturing facility
- Assist with production administration and reporting activities
- Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing techniques
- Identify opportunities to improve production output, capacity and efficiency
- Assist in reducing waste, scrap and rework across production processes
- Support the monitoring of production performance and key operational KPIs
- Help ensure production targets, quality standards and safety requirements are achieved
- Assist with downtime reporting and operational performance tracking
- Contribute to continuous improvement and business improvement projects
- Promote and maintain high standards of Health & Safety throughout the production environment
What We're Looking For
- Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Leadership Studies or a related discipline
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Confident and professional approach when working with people at all levels
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks effectively
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach to learning and development
- Resilient and able to perform effectively within a busy manufacturing environment
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications
- Flexible approach to work, including occasional shift or out-of-hours requirements
Why Join DENSO?
This role is ideal for an ambitious graduate who wants more than a typical entry-level position. You'll gain exposure to production leadership, continuous improvement, operational management and people development within a globally recognised manufacturing organisation. If you're looking for a role where you can learn from experienced leaders, contribute fresh ideas and build the foundations of a successful career in manufacturing management, we'd love to hear from you.
Graduate Production Supervisor in Leeds employer: Heybridge Associates Ltd
DENSO Marston Ltd offers an exceptional opportunity for recent graduates to embark on a rewarding career in a world-class manufacturing environment. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and life assurance, and a culture that promotes continuous improvement and teamwork, DENSO is committed to shaping the future of its employees while leading the automotive industry in innovation and quality. Located in Shipley, West Yorkshire, this role provides hands-on experience and mentorship from seasoned professionals, making it an ideal starting point for aspiring leaders in production management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Production Supervisor in Leeds
✨Get Hands-On: Workshops and Open Days
Manufacturing is all about the practical experience! Check out local workshops or open days at factories. These are fantastic opportunities to get a feel for the environment and meet potential employers, plus you might even land an entry-level gig on the spot.
✨Sign Up for Industry Events
Keep your eyes peeled for industry trade shows and career fairs specific to manufacturing. These events are golden for networking and getting your face known in the industry—you never know when a connection could lead to your next job!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're newly graduated, don't forget about your university's career services! They often have strong ties with local manufacturing firms and can help you find entry-level opportunities where you might not even need to apply.
✨Apply Directly to Companies
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to manufacturers you're interested in, like Heybridge Associates Ltd. A well-timed email or application can set you apart. Remember, we encourage applying through our website, too—get your foot in the door and let your passion shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Production Supervisor in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production world, it's all about the skills! Make sure to emphasise any relevant technical skills you have on your CV, like experience with machinery, quality control, or understanding production processes. If you have technical certificates, be sure to include those too—they show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
Showcase Teamwork and Communication:Manufacturing roles often require you to be part of a team, so don't hold back on mentioning your teamwork experience. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of when you collaborated with others in projects, demonstrating your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. This is something that employers really value in production environments!
Be Enthusiastic About Learning:As you’re applying for an entry-level position, let your motivation shine through in your application. Talk about your eagerness to learn and grow within the manufacturing industry. Sharing how you're keen to develop your skills or take on new challenges shows that you're serious about making this role your first step in a rewarding career.
Tailor Your CV for Each Application:When you apply to Heybridge Associates Ltd for the Graduate Production Supervisor role, make sure to customise your CV for this position, focusing on the most relevant skills and experiences for manufacturing. It's worth taking a little extra time to tweak your documents for each application—it can really help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heybridge Associates Ltd
✨Show Your Understanding of the Production Process
When you head into your interview for an entry-level position in manufacturing-production, make sure you're clued up on the basics of the production process. Brush up on common methodologies like Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma. This shows that while you might be entry-level, you're keen to get involved and understand how things work.
✨Get Hands-On with Tools and Technology
Manufacturing roles often use specific tools and technologies, so if you can demonstrate familiarity with things like CAD software or basic machinery, you're already ahead of the game. If you've done any practical projects or training (even in school), bring that up to give them a sense of your hands-on skills.
✨Highlight Your Ability to Learn Fast
As an entry-level candidate, one of your biggest assets is your adaptability. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've quickly picked up new skills or navigated through challenges. Manufacturing is all about efficiency and flexibility, so showing that you're agile in your learning will go a long way.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
In manufacturing, unexpected issues can pop up, and interviewers often ask how you've handled challenges in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve identified a problem and come up with a solution, either in work experience or during your studies. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and willingness to tackle obstacles head-on!
