As a Production Team Leader within our OE Assembly area, you will play a key role in leading your team to achieve daily operational targets, ensure world-class quality, and drive continuous improvement. You will coordinate assembly lines, oversee best practice, and champion a culture of excellence, safety, and collaboration. Your technical acumen, leadership, and structured approach will be vital in helping us deliver outstanding products to our global customers.
Responsibilities
- Team Leadership: Inspire, motivate, and manage a team of assembly technicians to optimise performance, conduct, and wellbeing
- Oversee daily people management tasks, including reporting, attendance, absence, wellbeing, scheduling, and overtime
- Process Control: Take accountability for core production processes within your area- monitoring compliance with 5S, calibration, maintenance, H&S, tooling and technical documentation
- Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to assembly procedures, work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), supporting robust documentation and quality standards at every stage
- Continuous Improvement: Lead process improvement activities (process mapping, kaizen events, 5S, root cause analysis) and drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives to optimise assembly line efficiency
- Operational Effectiveness: Manage workflow, prioritisation, work-in-progress (WIP) levels, parts and materials
- A strong engineering or technical background, ideally gained in a production, manufacturing, or assembly setting (aerospace experience is advantageous but not essential)
- Demonstrable experience leading and managing production teams
- Solid knowledge of lean principles (ideally Green Belt level), and evidence of applying them for process or productivity improvements
- A proactive, hands-on approach, with the ability to quickly resolve challenges and drive operational success
- Capable of interpreting and acting on KPIs, and communicating improvement actions to your team
- Solid skills with Microsoft applications, especially PowerPoint, Word, and Excel Familiarity with problem-solving and quality improvement tools (e.g. 8D, QRQC) is a plus
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking. Safran Landing Systems is the world leader in landing gear, wheels & brakes, and associated systems for civil and military aircraft and helicopters. We master the entire lifecycle of our products, from design and manufacturing through to maintenance. Did you know that every second, somewhere in the world, an aircraft lands using one of our systems? Would you like to grow in an international, stimulating and supportive environment within a human-sized company? Join us! Become one of our 8,000 passionate employees worldwide. Don't meet 100% of the requirements? That's not a barrier for us. Above all, we're looking for creative and committed people!
Why Safran?
- A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 Colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
- Inclusive & empowering environment: We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.
- Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place. Your ambitions can take us further.
- Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities. If you have big dreams, we'll support you to make them a reality.
- A culture of excellence: Join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Whatever your background, together we aim for excellence.
Get involved: We also have a number of groups and forums across our sites that you can get involved with, including Women at Safran, Diversity at Safran, Sports Clubs, STEM ambassadors, Employee Forum, Charity Partnerships and Wellbeing Programs.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, annual profit share bonus and pay review
- Excellent shift premiums
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays (option to buy/sell)
- Up to 8% employer matched pension scheme and life assurance
- Health cash plan, cycle and tech purchase schemes
- Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
- Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
- Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies
Safran - Here, we craft excellence together. At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision
Your Role
Production Team Leader - Assembly in Gloucester employer: Safran
At Safran Actuation Systems UK in Banbury, we prioritise our employees' well-being with a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a family-friendly work culture. Our commitment to professional development, coupled with a collaborative environment, empowers you to innovate and grow within the aerospace sector, making a meaningful impact on cutting-edge technologies. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values excellence and fosters continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Team Leader - Assembly in Gloucester
✨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 Safran, 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 Safran 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 Safran
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Safran, 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 Safran 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.
