Manufacturing Team Leader
Location: near Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Commutable from: Stevenage, Letchworth Garden City, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, St Albans, Biggleswade, Bedford, Royston, Hitchin, Harlow, Hemel Hempstead, Luton and surrounding areas
Salary: Up to £45,000 + Benefits
Type: Permanent, Full Time
Manufacturing Team Leader | People Management | Production Leadership | Continuous Improvement | Lean Manufacturing | Stevenage | Up to £45,000
A leading Engineering & Manufacturing organisation is seeking a Manufacturing Team Leader to join its operations team at its manufacturing facility near Stevenage.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Manufacturing Team Leader, Production Team Leader, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Supervisor or Assembly Team Leader looking to take ownership of a key manufacturing area within a growing business.
The successful candidate will lead a team within a busy manufacturing environment, ensuring production targets, quality standards and operational objectives are achieved whilst creating a positive, high-performing team culture. Strong People Management, coaching and leadership skills will be essential, as this role requires an individual who enjoys developing others, leading from the front and maintaining a visible presence on the shop floor.
Alongside team leadership responsibilities, you’ll play a key role in driving Continuous Improvement, improving manufacturing efficiencies, implementing best practice and helping modernise existing processes. This is an opportunity to join a business where you can genuinely influence how the department develops over time.
Unlike many Manufacturing Team Leader positions, this role offers a combination of People Management, operational leadership and continuous improvement responsibility, allowing you to make a visible impact on both team performance and manufacturing operations.
The Manufacturing Team Leader Role
As a Manufacturing Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing activities whilst developing your team and driving operational improvements across production and assembly operations.
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading, motivating and developing a manufacturing team
- Creating a positive and high-performing team environment
- Supporting employee development through coaching and mentoring
- Managing day-to-day manufacturing activities to ensure production targets are achieved
- Driving Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives
- Conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective actions
- Identifying opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and quality
- Working closely with Production, Engineering and Quality teams
- Supporting assembly, machining and welding operations
- Monitoring team performance and operational KPIs
- Promoting high standards of Health & Safety and Quality
- Supporting operational excellence and manufacturing improvement activities
What We're Looking For
- Experience within a Manufacturing Team Leader, Production Team Leader, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Supervisor or similar leadership position
- Previous People Management experience within a manufacturing environment
- Strong team leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
- Experience driving Continuous Improvement initiatives
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
- Experience conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and structured problem solving
- Ability to build credibility and engagement on the shop floor
- Experience improving manufacturing processes and operational performance
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, hands‑on leadership style with a "can-do" approach
Industry Backgrounds Considered
- Manufacturing / Assembly / Industrial Engineering / Precision Engineering
- Aerospace / Automotive / Electronics Manufacturing / FMCG
- Production Engineering / General Manufacturing
What's On Offer?
- Salary up to £45,000 + Benefits
- Opportunity to lead within a growing manufacturing operation
- Significant People Management responsibility
- Exposure to Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing programmes
- Opportunity to influence and modernise manufacturing processes
- Long-term career development opportunities
- Diverse manufacturing, assembly and operational improvement projects
- A highly visible role with genuine impact on business performance
- Close collaboration with senior operational leadership
This Manufacturing Team Leader role is commutable from: Stevenage, Letchworth Garden City, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, St Albans, Biggleswade, Bedford, Royston, Hitchin, Harlow, Hemel Hempstead, Luton and surrounding areas.
Desired Skills and Experience
Manufacturing Team Leadership / People Management / Production Leadership / Manufacturing Operations / Continuous Improvement / Lean Manufacturing / Root Cause Analysis (RCA) / Problem Solving / Operational Excellence / Team Development / Coaching & Mentoring / Employee Engagement / Performance Management / Assembly Manufacturing / Production Management / Process Improvement / Health & Safety / Quality Management / Shop Floor Leadership / Manufacturing Supervisor / Production Supervisor / Operational Leadership / Change Management / Industrial Manufacturing / Assembly Operations / Production Planning
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Manufacturing Team Leader in Stevenage employer: Progressive
Join a leading player in the wind industry, where your expertise as a QHSE Engineer will be valued and rewarded. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while contributing to significant infrastructure projects in the UK. Enjoy competitive rates and a flexible rotation schedule that allows for a healthy work-life balance, making this an excellent choice for professionals seeking meaningful and impactful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Team Leader in Stevenage
✨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 Progressive, 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!
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 Progressive 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 Progressive
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Progressive, 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 Progressive 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.
