At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled team to meet production targets and ensure quality standards.
- Company: Join NP Aerospace, a global leader in lifesaving defence technology since 1926.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday, and pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact in defence operations.
- Qualifications: 5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing and knowledge of lean methodologies required.
- Other info: Must pass security checks and sign the Official Secrets Act.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 32000 £ per year.
Job Title: Production Team Leader
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: WeeklyRotatingShifts
Vacancy Type:Full-time, Permanent and Onsite
Salary: £27,500 – £30,500 pa, subject to experience, + shift allowance £4,000 + benefits
JOB SUMMARY
We are recruiting a Team Leader to join our production team, leading day to day production activity across a rotating shift pattern. You will be responsible for keeping the line running safely and efficiently, meeting output and quality targets, and making sure the team has clear direction and support on every shift.
This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will coach and develop operators, solve problems at pace, and drive discipline in standards, reporting and process adherence. Working closely with Production, Quality and support teams, you will help deliver right first‑time output and contribute to continuous improvement as the business continues to grow.
If you enjoy leading from the front, bringing structure to a busy environment and taking pride in delivering high standards, this could be the role for you.
At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. That’s why we invest in benefits that support your health, reward your hard work, and help you grow your career:
- Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
- Time to recharge – 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
- Future security – competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions
- Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
- Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
- Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
- Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose
SHIFT WORKING REQUIREMENTS
The role requires working different shifts (Monday to Friday) that will rotate every week to cover the three timeframes below:
Mornings0600-1400 and unpaid break 0930-1000
Afternoons1400-2200 and unpaid break 1730-1800
Nights2200-0600 and unpaid break 0130-0200
Please Note: shift patterns are subject to change in line with operational requirements. Flexibility is required, including working alternative shift patterns and providing additional cover where needed. Any applicable shift premium will be paid.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the team to achieve daily production targets, maintaining safe working, quality standards and operational discipline.
- Plan and organise work on shift, allocating tasks and resources to meet demand and priorities.
- Monitor and report performance through daily shop floor board meetings, updating KPIs and highlighting risks, delays and recovery actions.
- Maintain accurate production transactions and records in QAD, ensuring timely and correct updates.
- Ensure effective handovers between shifts, maintaining continuity of output, quality and information.
People leadership
- Provide clear direction, coaching and support to team members, setting expectations and maintaining professional standards.
- Identify training needs and support delivery of training and competence development on the job.
- Complete core people administration as required, including attendance, timekeeping, training records and related documentation.
- Support recruitment and onboarding within the team where required.
Process, safety and continuous improvement
- Lead shift start meetings and toolbox talks, reinforcing safety, quality and daily priorities.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety policy, including risk assessments, safe working practices and escalation of hazards or near misses.
- Drive problem solving and corrective actions when issues arise, using root cause and practical countermeasures to prevent recurrence.
- Promote a continuous improvement culture, encouraging ideas from the team and supporting implementation of improvements.
Product and quality
- Work closely with Quality and Production teams to maintain product standards, reduce defects, and improve right first‑time performance.
- Ensure non-conformances are identified, contained and escalated appropriately, supporting investigations and corrective actions.
Health & Safety (Champion)
- Conduct regular workplace safety checks and report hazards.
- Promote safe working practices and encourage colleagues to follow procedures.
- Support incident reporting and help investigate near misses.
- Act as a point of contact for safety concerns within the team.
- Share safety updates, lessons learned, and best practices with the team.
- Help onboard new starters with basic safety expectations.
- Risk assessments (cell-specific and general site-wide)
- Manufacturing instructions
- COSHH documents
The above is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.
Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.
EXPERIENCE
- Experience as a Team Leader or Supervisor in a production or manufacturing environment.
- Experience working to targets and KPIs, with a track record of improving performance on shift.
- Experience of Standardised Work Confirmation / 5s Audits / LPA Audits / Kaizen / Kanban / Training Logs
- Experience of problem solving / 8D’s / 7 wastes reduction
- Experience managing people matters such as performance, absence and standards.
- Strong awareness of health and safety responsibilities in a factory environment.
- Experience using production systems for reporting and data entry, ideally QAD or similar.
- Experience in finishing processes is desirable, for example preparation, trimming, paint, inspection or similar production environments.
- Good IT skills on Excel, word, PowerPoint and OEE system (Intouch)
- ExperienceofusingAItoolsordemonstratesawillingnesstolearnandapplyAIinrole.
NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.
Our mission is to improve and protect lives, andour vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutionsthat solve our customers\’ complex challenges.Our values – Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedicationform the bedrock of our culture.
Our extensive range of combat‑proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next‑generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.
Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.
Data Privacy:NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign theOfficial Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.
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Team Leader employer: NP Aerospace, Ltd.
Contact Detail:
NP Aerospace, Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with lean manufacturing principles, as they are crucial for this role. Brush up on tools like 5S and Kaizen, and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous positions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your leadership style during the interview. Think of specific examples where you successfully led a team through challenges, focusing on how you motivated and developed your team members.
✨Tip Number 3
Understand NP Aerospace's mission and values, especially their commitment to quality and safety. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees if possible. This can give you insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience, particularly in manufacturing. Emphasise your knowledge of lean manufacturing tools and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet production targets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for production performance and continuous improvement. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved processes in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills in communication, delegation, and accountability. Provide examples of how you've influenced team behaviours and managed performance through KPIs in past positions.
Prepare for the Interview: Research NP Aerospace and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Prepare to talk about your approach to leading teams, applying lean methodologies, and ensuring quality and compliance in production.
How to prepare for a job interview at NP Aerospace, Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in detail. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led a team, met production targets, and implemented lean methodologies. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire a high-performing team.
✨Understand Lean Manufacturing Principles
Familiarise yourself with lean manufacturing tools and techniques such as 5S, Kaizen, and 8D. Be ready to explain how you've applied these principles in past roles to improve efficiency and reduce waste, as this is crucial for the Team Leader position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may require you to solve hypothetical problems related to production challenges or team dynamics. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As a Team Leader, effective communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you have influenced and motivated your team in the past. Use examples that showcase your ability to delegate tasks, lead meetings, and maintain clear documentation.