Senior Welder (Supervisor)

Salary: 40-50k

Department: Manufacturing

Reports to: Managing Director

Location: Petersfield

Position Overview: My client are seeking a highly skilled Senior Welder with supervisory experience to oversee the day-to-day operations of our small manufacturing team. This role is a combination of welding, supervision, and planning. The Senior Welder will manage a team of two skilled welders and three apprentices, ensuring that work is completed to the highest standards and in a timely manner. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with TIG welding, particularly in stainless steel, and will have experience with simple machining tasks. In addition to welding and machining, this person will be responsible for planning, ensuring the correct materials are ordered, and making sure all projects are aligned with our high standards for quality and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise a small team of 2 skilled welders and 3 apprentices, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high-quality work output.
• Plan and organize daily tasks, prioritizing jobs based on project timelines and customer needs.
• Review engineering drawings and technical specifications to ensure accuracy and proper materials selection.
• Determine materials required for production and liaise with the purchasing department to ensure stock is adequate for upcoming tasks.
• Ensure all welding, machining, and assembly work is completed to the highest standards, meeting both internal and client specifications.
• Operate TIG welders and/or manual machines (mills and lathe) when needed to support the team, particularly during busy periods or complex tasks.
• Ensure that safety standards are maintained throughout the workplace, including providing safety training and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Conduct quality control checks throughout the production process to ensure that each part and machine meets the required standards.
• Maintain accurate records of all work, including materials used, timesheets, and any deviations from the plan.
• Troubleshoot issues with welding, machining, or assembly, providing solutions to ensure minimal disruption to production.
• Work closely with the Managing Director to identify any potential bottlenecks or resource shortages and propose improvements to the workflow.
• Assist with the assembly of machines, including the integration of bought-in components and custom-built parts.
• Oversee the building and wiring of control panels for machinery.
• Provide training and mentorship to apprentices, helping them develop their skills and ensuring they are progressing through their training effectively.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Extensive experience in TIG welding, particularly with stainless steel frames, pipework, and vessels.
• Strong supervisory experience, with the ability to lead and motivate a small team.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Practical experience with manual machining (lathe and milling machines) for simple tasks.
• Experience in coordinating and planning production workflows, including material ordering and inventory management.
• Excellent attention to detail with a focus on quality and safety standards.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Effective communication skills to liaise with team members, management, and other departments.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and process optimization.