Machine Shop Team Leader in Whitstable)

We are looking for a hands-on Production Supervisor to lead a team of Operators within our Machine Shop. You will ensure daily production targets are met safely, on time and to the required quality standards, while driving KPI performance and maintaining a trained, motivated and flexible workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and organise daily workload, allocate resources and ensure production schedules, OTD, quality and arrears KPIs are achieved.
• Work closely with Planning to meet production requirements.
• Lead and support your team: delegate tasks, manage holidays, sickness, absence and ensure effective skill coverage across the cell.
• Maintain skills matrices and ensure Operators (including temps) are fully trained.
• Oversee Health & Safety processes including accidents/near misses, Risk Assessments and COSHH.
• Identify and resolve quality issues including scrap, rework and NRFT; support continuous improvement.
• Complete daily KPI boards, review performance with the team and follow up improvement actions.
• Set and run machinery safely; ensure First Off and in-process inspections are completed.
• Deliver team briefs and toolbox talks.
• Manage engineering support requests and maintain high housekeeping standards (5C).
• Ensure all employees, visitors and contractors follow safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Deputise for the Production Manager when required.

About You

Essential

• GCSE-level education.
• Experience in a manufacturing/production environment with previous team leadership.
• Strong Health & Safety awareness and understanding of manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Ability to work to KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery).
• Capable of reading CAD drawings and completing First Off inspections.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with MRP/ERP systems.
• Strong organisational, planning, communication and coaching skills.
• Confident in managing performance, resolving issues and coordinating team priorities.

Desirable

• Experience deputising for a Production Manager.
• Involvement in recruitment.
• Knowledge of 5S/lean principles and training documentation.
• Component knowledge and experience managing engineering support requests.

If you’re a proactive supervisor who can lead a team, maintain high standards and deliver results, we’d like to hear from you.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.