Team Leader in Coventry

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:

• Mornings 0600-1400 and unpaid break 0930-1000
• Afternoons 1400-2200 and unpaid break 1730-1800
• Nights 2200-0600 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.

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)
• Experience of using AI tools or demonstrates a willingness to learn and apply AI in role.

WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?

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, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form 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.

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.

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 the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.