At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day shift manufacturing, ensuring safety and efficiency while meeting production goals.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing company in Newcastle upon Tyne with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift premium, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture that values safety and accountability.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a fast-paced environment and drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Position: Lead Operator (Day Shift Manufacturing)
Location
- Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- # of Openings: 1
- Position Summary
The Lead Operator is a senior production role responsible for leading day shift manufacturing activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations while supporting the delivery of customer requirements and production plans.
The day shift work Monday - Thursday, 06.30 - 18.30 and attract a 5% shift premium.
Acting as the technical lead within the manufacturing area, the Lead Operator provides hands‑on support, coaching, and guidance to operators, drives continuous improvement initiatives, manages process escalations, and works collaboratively across departments to ensure operational excellence.
The role requires a proactive individual who can balance daily production demands with forward planning to support future customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Production Operations
- Lead day‑to‑day manufacturing activities within the designated production area.
- Carry out manufacturing tasks and batch processing in line with approved procedures and work instructions.
- Monitor production schedules and support achievement of daily and weekly production targets.
- Ensure production output meets quality, safety, and delivery requirements.
- Support the investigation and resolution of production issues and process deviations.
- Accurately complete all required production documentation and system transactions.
- Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and support implementation of corrective actions.
- Manage and resolve process escalations within the production area.
- Monitor key operational performance metrics and recommend improvement initiatives.
- Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities.
- Ensure standard operating procedures are followed and kept up to date.
- Planning & Technical Leadership
- Identify potential capacity, material, equipment, or resource constraints and upscale where necessary.
- Work proactively to ensure manufacturing readiness for upcoming production requirements.
- Provide technical guidance to operators and support problem‑solving activities on shift.
- Systems & Stock Management
- Assume responsibility and ownership for designated company systems, including accurate use and maintenance of ERP systems.
- Ensure timely and accurate system transactions relating to production and inventory activities.
- Manage stock levels within the production area.
- Maintain inventory accuracy through robust stock control practices.
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Provide day‑to‑day support, direction, and guidance to production operators.
- Coach team members to develop competence, confidence, and performance.
- Deliver constructive feedback to improve productivity and operational effectiveness.
- Support the training and onboarding of new employees.
- Promote a positive team culture focused on safety, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Lead by example through adherence to company values and standards.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Production, Night Shift Manufacturing, Planning, Warehouse, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.
- Assist in coordinating activities that improve workflow and overall manufacturing performance.
- Escalate issues appropriately and support timely resolution.
- Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Assess work activities for risk and ensure appropriate control measures are implemented.
- Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workplace organisation.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
- Participate in audits, investigations, and improvement initiatives as required.
- Report safety concerns, quality issues, and equipment problems promptly.
- Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Manufacturing or production environment experience.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to lead by example and influence others positively.
- Ability to follow instructions and provide clear direction to team members.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Problem‑solving and decision‑making capability.
- Competent user of IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience using ERP or manufacturing systems.
- Ability to work independently and prioritise workload effectively.
- Proactive approach with a strong focus on task completion and operational performance.
- Forklift Truck Counterbalance and Reach licences.
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Recognised manufacturing qualification, such as
- Level 2 Certificate in Manufacturing Practices
- Level 2 Performing Manufacturing Operations
- Equivalent technical or production qualification
- Personal Attributes
- Safety focused.
- Results oriented.
- Highly accountable.
- Collaborative and supportive.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to meet quality, productivity, and safety standards.
- Ability to stand, walk, lift, and carry materials in line with operational requirements.
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Lead Operator (Day Shift Manufacturing) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: IPS Corporation
IPS Corporation is an excellent employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering opportunities to enhance skills such as obtaining forklift licenses within a supportive team environment. Our work culture emphasises safety, quality, and collaboration, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our success in the UK manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Operator (Day Shift Manufacturing) in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 IPS Corporation, 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 Lead Operator (Day Shift Manufacturing) in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 IPS Corporation 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 IPS Corporation
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with IPS Corporation, 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 IPS Corporation 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.
