An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proactive and hands‑on Team Leader to support the day‑to‑day operations of our Hydrophobic Department. This fast‑paced role combines team leadership with active involvement on the production floor, ensuring quality, productivity, and safety standards are consistently met.
You will lead and support a team of Production Technicians within a controlled manufacturing environment, driving performance, continuous improvement, and team development.
The Hydrophobic Department involves preparing and filling moulds, placing them in an exposure machine to set the material, curing the lenses by passing them through cold and hot washing machines and vacuum ovens, and then measuring and sorting the lenses into the correct power categories.
Working closely with Production Managers, you will support training, staffing, process improvements, and overall team performance, while acting as a key point of guidance and support across the department.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Oversee room performance, working on and off the machines and processes when required to achieve required daily / weekly output.
- Review, implement and assist with Process Improvement activities and new ways of working.
- Lead staff training and certification when required.
- Be an active go to technician who is open to support new starters and maintain a high level of ability within the area, a strong people person is required.
- Look at forward demands and plan with the area lead the need for any overtime or staffing increases / training requirements.
- To carry out any duties as requested to aid the production process and deemed required by the area lead or the production managers.
- Lead and coach your team to ensure strong performance that drives results, including the management of poor performance/behaviour in line with HR support.
- Take responsibility for the motivation and engagement of your team members ensuring they receive recognition that makes them feel valued and feedback that helps them improve.
- Continually monitor sickness absence ensuring any repeated patterns/persistent absence is discussed and managed in line with HR support.
- Be fully involved in daily workflows and instructions to all staff to keep in line with production demands.
Health, Safety & Quality
- Ensure that the Company’s Health & Safety policy and procedures are followed.
- Follow safety procedures and use the protective equipment provided and per SOP and best practice.
- Ensure the Quality Policy and procedures are adhered to.
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), including equipment and facility cleaning.
- To complete all data entries accurately and fully onto the process records.
- Promoting best practice and acting in the best interests of the company.
To maintain a sterile working environment, the required PPE must be worn at all times, including white shoes with overshoes, a blue protective suit, a head cover, a face mask, and gloves.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Previous experience in a supervisory or team leadership role
- Strong team player with the ability to motivate and support others
- Experience within a hands‑on manufacturing or production environment
- Good communication skills with the ability to provide clear instruction and guidance
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
- Good manual dexterity
- Computer literacy and confidence working with production records/data
- Self‑motivated, organised, and accountable
- Ability to take ownership and make decisions confidently
- Positive attitude towards change and continuous improvement
Desirable Skills & Experience:
- Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment
- Understanding of GMP or cleanroom working practices
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, or Continuous Improvement methodologies
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Team Leader in Worthing employer: Rayner
Rayner is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Global HQ in Worthing, West Sussex, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide benefits such as private healthcare, monthly massages, and a cycle-to-work scheme, ensuring our team thrives both personally and professionally. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through leadership opportunities and a supportive culture that values scientific excellence and impactful communication.
