Production Team Leader in Richmond

Company Description

At SWARCO, we shape the future of transport. As part of the global SWARCO Group, we develop cutting-edge technologies for intelligent, sustainable, and efficient mobility ecosystems worldwide. From advanced traffic management to cloud-based mobility platforms, our work reduces congestion, enhances safety, and minimises environmental impact. Join our collaborative team, innovating for smarter, greener cities globally.

Job Description

We're looking for an experienced Production Team Leader to join our team at Melsonby. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated manufacturing professional who enjoys leading people, improving processes and ensuring production operations run safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. Reporting to the Production Manager, you will take responsibility for coordinating and leading day-to-day production activities, overseeing the manufacture, assembly and testing of our Traffic Controller products. You'll play a key role in ensuring customer requirements are met, production targets are achieved and quality remains at the heart of everything we do.

What you will do:

• Lead, motivate and develop the production team, coordinating daily activities in line with agreed production plans and business objectives.
• Oversee all aspects of Traffic Controller assembly, production, testing and quality control, ensuring products meet customer specifications and required standards.
• Plan and optimise production resources, including people, equipment and materials, to maximise productivity and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Champion a strong health and safety culture, ensuring safe working practices, procedures and training requirements are consistently followed.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, Lean Manufacturing principles and 5S workplace organisation to improve efficiency, reduce waste and enhance operational performance.
• Monitor production processes, identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes that increase throughput, reduce costs and improve product quality.
• Lead investigations into production issues, customer complaints and quality non-conformances, using root cause analysis to identify solutions and prevent recurrence.
• Ensure corrective and preventative actions are implemented effectively, with non-conformances documented, monitored and resolved in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate production records, work instructions, standard operating procedures and quality documentation.
• Work closely with technical and operational colleagues to support product design improvements, manufacturing processes and changing business requirements.
• Monitor production performance and ensure customer delivery commitments and service expectations are consistently achieved.

You'll be a visible and hands-on leader, setting the standard for quality, accountability and teamwork while creating an environment where people are encouraged to contribute, develop and continuously improve.

What we offer

As well as providing a competitive salary and benefits package, SWARCO actively runs employee opinion surveys as part of our drive to provide a comfortable and supportive working environment. We will support your development, and you will also receive:

• 25 days plus bank holidays.
• Day off on your birthday.
• Employer pension contributions.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance up to 6x salary.
• Full training and development opportunities.

Qualifications

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in a supervisory or team leadership position, with responsibility for leading and coordinating team members.
• A minimum of three years' hands-on experience within an electro-mechanical production or manufacturing environment.
• A good understanding of manufacturing processes, assembly activities and quality control requirements.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage changing production demands.
• A logical and proactive approach to problem-solving, with the confidence to investigate issues and implement effective solutions.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships across different teams.
• A self-motivated and dependable approach, with the ability to work under pressure and lead by example.
• A full UK driving licence and the right to live and work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in electrical panel building.
• Six Sigma or equivalent Lean Manufacturing training or qualifications.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a production environment.
• Experience developing standard operating procedures, work instructions and quality improvement processes.

We're looking for someone who takes pride in delivering high-quality work, enjoys developing people and has the drive to make a positive difference to production performance.

Additional Information

Interested? Applications are shortlisted on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to interview and appoint before any advertised closing date. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. Applications received after the closing date will not be processed. We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK, therefore successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK and be able to commit to a long-term permanent role. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process and employment.