At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in manufacturing complex products while ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-performance culture with opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing and team leadership; a positive attitude is key.
The predicted salary is between 44171 - 46000 £ per year.
Salary: £44,171- 46,000. Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Your Impact
We are looking for Manufacturing Team Leaders to support the Detectors LoB within the Production function at our Southampton site. The Manufacturing Team Leader is responsible for overseeing the manufacture of complex processes within our Southampton Detectors LoB (Line of Business). This role ensures production targets, quality standards, and safety requirements are consistently met, whilst providing strong people leadership driving engagement, performance, and development of a team of technicians and operators to achieve both operational and individual success.
As a Manufacturing Team Leader you will:
- Lead and supervise a team of Operators and Technicians within one of our Detectors Manufacturing Areas, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance team culture.
- Supervise, and/or technically lead, the activities of a medium to large size team; set objectives and contribute to assessment of their performance, while actively coaching, mentoring, and supporting individual development, to ensure team effectiveness and compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental standards.
- Act as a visible and approachable leader, promoting open communication, addressing concerns, and driving employee engagement and wellbeing within the team.
- Influence cross-functional teams (including engineering and/or project management) to improve the design / quality / build methodology / manufacturing plan of the product based on practical knowledge and experience.
- Drive company KPI burndown through leading process improvement & problem solving to ensure continuous improvement within own area.
- Diagnose and resolve technical / process / product problems, either independently or as a team, including finding innovative solutions, within broad business procedures, to contribute to business improvement and customer satisfaction.
- Provide advice, coaching, and ongoing performance feedback to all team members to ensure best use of tools and support overall team effectiveness.
- Develop the team using company tools to support succession planning, identify high-potential talent, and maximise team capability.
- Ensure processes are conducted according to technical specifications outlined and products are compliant with required quality standards.
What you’ll bring
- Proven experience in Manufacturing, ideally within Semi-Conductor or AIT manufacturing, but also within Aerospace / Defence or high-reliability industries.
- Previous team leadership or supervisory experience.
- Excellent solid practical knowledge of manufacturing processes.
- Proven relevant technical proficiency either through qualification (HND / degree) or equivalent experience and knowledge.
- In depth practical knowledge of relevant Health, Safety and Environmental principles (IOSH qualification required for the role, but training can be provided).
- Familiarity with quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).
- Ability to persuade and influence others.
- Ability to articulate and explain technical understanding.
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of relevant areas of SAP.
Desirable Skills
- Experience with clean room environments.
- Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
- Experience with ERP/MES systems.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Primary Location: GB - Southampton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Onsite
Manufacturing Team Leader in Southampton employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. Our Southampton site provides a dynamic environment for Manufacturing Team Leaders, with opportunities for professional growth through comprehensive training programmes and a strong emphasis on teamwork and innovation. With generous benefits, including flexible working options and a robust pension scheme, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Team Leader in Southampton
✨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 Leonardo Worldwide 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 Manufacturing Team Leader in Southampton
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 Leonardo Worldwide 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 Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Leonardo Worldwide 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 Leonardo Worldwide 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.
