At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coach a dynamic production team to achieve operational excellence.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing firm with a focus on safety and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, free parking, and a competitive salary with bonuses.
- Other info: Rotating shifts with opportunities for career growth in a regulated industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in production leadership and a strong technical mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 34200 - 41800 £ per year.
Our manufacturing client is seeking an experienced Production Team Leader.
Salary: Negotiable, confirmed on phone call, with discretionary annual bonus
Benefits: 25 days leave + BH, rising to 27 days after 5 years, free parking, OT when available, Monthly pay, pension etc
Location: Hoo, Rochester, Kent – having your own transport is essential
Hours: Rotating shifts 6am to 2pm / 2pm to 10pm. Possibility of night shift in the future.
Are you an experienced production supervisor or team leader with a strong technical mindset? Do you excel at driving a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement? The Production Section Leader will lead the day-to-day manufacturing operations. In this pivotal role, you will lead, coach, and develop an operational team to deliver production plans safely and efficiently within a highly regulated environment.
Production Section Leader key Responsibilities:
- Operations Management: Supervise day-to-day production operations to achieve shift targets, delivery schedules, and operational KPIs (OEE, yield, waste, and productivity).
- Safety & Compliance: Maintain a strong safety culture and ensure absolute compliance with industry-specific standards (e.g., GMP/FDA, HSE/COMAH, or ISO requirements) and company SOPs.
- People Leadership: Lead, coach, and onboard operators and technicians, managing shift resource planning, briefings, handovers, and performance management.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive lean manufacturing initiatives using structured problem-solving tools (5S, 3C’s, 7 Wastes) and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maximize process reliability.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS teams to resolve process interruptions and optimize throughput.
Production Section Leader essential criteria:
- Proven supervisory or leadership experience managing teams within a manufacturing, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, or regulated production environment.
- Strongly engineering and technically minded, with the hands-on ability to set up and run plant equipment and automated systems.
- Practical knowledge of production KPIs, SOPs, safety procedures, and compliance requirements.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational capabilities.
Production Section Leader desirable Criteria:
- Experience working in GMP pharmaceutical, chemical process operations (COMAH), FMCG, or high-volume advanced manufacturing.
- Direct knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, CAPA, or deviation management.
- A Degree, HNC/HND, or apprenticeship in Engineering, Manufacturing, Chemical, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
Locations
Production Team Leader in Kent, Rochester employer: React Recruitment Limited
Our client offers a dynamic work environment for Mechanical Assemblers, where teamwork and quality craftsmanship are at the forefront of production. Located near Maidstone, Kent, employees benefit from a standard 40-hour work week with competitive pay, fostering a culture of commitment and excellence. With opportunities for skill development and a focus on safety and quality, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful employment in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Team Leader in Kent, Rochester
✨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 React Recruitment Limited, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Team Leader in Kent, Rochester
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 React Recruitment Limited 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 React Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with React Recruitment Limited, 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 React Recruitment Limited 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.
