Assembly Team Leader in Cheltenham

Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

We are looking for an organised, proactive and people‑focused Assembly Team Lead to oversee day‑to‑day operational activity across a busy assembly line. You will ensure safe working practices, deliver high‑quality output, support continuous improvement, and guide your team to perform at their best. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and is confident leading and developing others.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management: Provide clear instruction, direction and daily guidance to the assembly team, demonstrating strong working knowledge of all departmental roles. Conduct and manage training, feedback sessions, appraisals, reviews, and Return to Work (RTW) discussions. Carry out weekly/monthly team briefings and daily SDT meetings.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance: Maintain and promote the highest standards of Environment, Health and Safety (EHS), including completing risk assessments and supporting relevant investigations. Ensure working practices meet required quality standards, SOPs, work instructions, skills matrices and processes. Lead by example in alignment with company Core Values.
• Operational Coordination: Run and coordinate all operational tasks across the assembly line in line with procedures. Manage daily administrative tasks and reporting requirements. Develop strong cross‑functional working relationships across the business.
• Performance, KPI Management & Continuous Improvement: Gain an understanding of departmental KPIs and support the team in contributing to these targets. Interpret and analyse data to identify improvements and cost‑reduction opportunities. Actively participate in projects and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives. Support and help implement CI tools such as Six Sigma, 5Y, Yellow Belt methodologies.
• Personal Development: Take ownership of your own development plan, continually building your skills and knowledge. Support and encourage a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

Essential

• Experience or proven ability in leading a team within a manufacturing or assembly environment.
• Demonstrable problem‑solving ability.
• Commercial awareness.
• Experience working with a Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong understanding and practical application of EHS requirements.
• Experience working on projects or improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with CI tools (Six Sigma, 5Y, yellow belt, etc.).

Desirable

• Experience using JD Edwards/E1 or equivalent ERP system.
• Supervisory, management or team leader qualification.
• Recognised EHS qualification (e.g., NEBOSH).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work proactively and collaboratively across functions.
• Team management and development capability.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Analytical problem‑solving skills, including ability to conduct risk assessments.
• Understanding of assembly processes, product knowledge and basic engineering principles as they relate to product quality.

Benefits

You will receive a competitive salary (and a discretionary bonus), flexible working and excellent benefits including 27 days holiday allowance (before bank holidays), 3 days’ paid volunteering leave, comprehensive private healthcare, enhanced pension plan, life assurance, optional participation in a Share Ownership Plan, free onsite parking, flexible benefits, and access to a personal discounts’ portal. We also offer a range of additional support and benefits through our Everyone is Included Group Inclusion Plan. We are also a Disability Confident Committed Employer.