Manufacturing Team Leader in Hailsham

Manufacturing Cell Leader

Location: Outskirts of Hailsham, East Sussex

Reports to: Production Manager

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

The Opportunity

Recruitment South East are delighted to be working on behalf of an impressive, well-established precision engineering company based on the outskirts of Hailsham, East Sussex, who are looking to recruit an experienced and motivated Manufacturing Cell Leader to join their team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing professional with a strong engineering background and proven leadership experience to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of a busy manufacturing cell. Combining technical expertise with the ability to lead, motivate and develop a production team, you will play an important role in ensuring customer requirements are consistently achieved in terms of Quality, Delivery and Cost, whilst driving improvements in productivity, efficiency and overall team performance.

Overseeing the manufacturing process from raw material through to finished components, you will work closely with Production Planning, Purchasing, Quality and other departments to ensure production runs smoothly, deadlines are met and high standards are maintained.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, motivate and support the manufacturing team, maintaining a positive and productive working environment.
• Take responsibility for training, coaching and developing team members, ensuring skills and capabilities are continually improved.
• Delegate workloads effectively and act as the first point of contact for day-to-day team queries and issues.
• Monitor individual and team performance, including attendance, productivity, work rates and general conduct.
• Identify training requirements, coordinate cross-training activities and maintain accurate training matrices.
• Address performance issues proactively and encourage accountability, teamwork and a positive can-do attitude.

Manufacturing & Production Management

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing activities, including machining, fabrication, production assembly and component finishing.
• Ensure full identification and traceability of raw materials, work-in-progress and finished components throughout the manufacturing process.
• Liaise regularly with Production Planning to understand priorities, organise workloads and ensure the team is working to schedule.
• Assess manufacturing requirements and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, including batch processing, machine utilisation and work centre allocation.
• Monitor daily production activities, resolving technical and operational issues to ensure components are manufactured right first time.
• Ensure all jobs are accurately recorded through the relevant production and timekeeping systems.
• Look ahead to ensure upcoming work is fully prepared, including material availability, CNC programmes, tooling, set-up sheets and other manufacturing requirements.
• Attend daily operational meetings, providing updates on production progress, priorities and potential challenges.
• Work closely with shopfloor personnel to resolve manufacturing issues and implement effective solutions.
• Provide regular production updates and performance information to the Production Manager.
• Contribute to the development and achievement of departmental KPIs covering Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Introduce and maintain effective visual management systems throughout the manufacturing area.
• Work with the Production Manager to implement and maintain company policies and procedures.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with established Quality Management System (QMS) procedures and standards.
• Promote and maintain a strong 5S culture, ensuring the manufacturing area remains clean, organised and efficient.
• Ensure all scheduled cleaning, maintenance and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) activities are completed.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, problem-solving and engineering changes.
• Work alongside the Quality team to investigate non-conformances, undertake root cause analysis and coordinate rework or remanufacturing where necessary.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, minimise downtime and increase productivity.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation, work instructions, labelling, training records and visual management systems remain accurate and up to date.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, production assembly and testing processes, ideally within a high-technology engineering environment.
• Previous experience managing or supervising a manufacturing or production department.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop a team.
• A practical, hands-on understanding of manufacturing operations and production workflows.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet production deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work effectively with employees at all levels.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and implement practical solutions.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience working within a low-volume, high-precision or high-tolerance manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement techniques.
• Experience leading a manufacturing or engineering team.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement, root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methods.
• Knowledge of vacuum technology or specialist engineering manufacturing would be advantageous but is not essential.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A recognised engineering apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience.
• ILM Level 3 or above in Leadership and Management.

Personal Attributes

• Has a hands-on approach to leadership and enjoys being actively involved in day-to-day manufacturing operations.
• Is a confident communicator who can engage effectively with shopfloor employees, colleagues and senior management.
• Has the ability to listen, provide constructive feedback and bring the best out of a team.
• Can work accurately and efficiently under pressure while managing tight deadlines.
• Is highly organised, proactive and capable of planning ahead.
• Demonstrates sound judgement and a practical approach to problem-solving.
• Is self-motivated, approachable and committed to maintaining high standards.
• Is numerate and confident using computer-based systems.
• Takes pride in their work and is committed to the ongoing success and development of the manufacturing operation.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join an impressive precision engineering business in a key leadership position, where you can combine your technical manufacturing knowledge with your people management skills.