At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in driving product innovation and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join The West Group, a leader in miniature fluid control solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, generous leave, and health perks.
- Other info: Be part of a globally recognised team with over 50 years of expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising production processes and mentoring talent.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing engineering and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
About the Role:
Location: Waterlooville (PO7)
Hours of Work: 37.5
Role Overview: We are looking for a hands-on Production Engineering Team Leader to lead our production engineering team and support the introduction of new products into manufacture. You will drive continuous improvement across existing products and manufacturing processes while ensuring efficient, high-quality production throughout the product lifecycle. If you are a hands-on engineer that wants to lead a small team, this role would be perfect for you.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, develop and mentor the Production Engineering team, developing a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Lead the transfer of new products from development into production, ensuring robust processes, effective documentation and successful operational handover.
- Own engineering support for released products, driving product and process improvements to address quality, reliability, manufacturability, cost and supply chain challenges.
- Work closely with the Quality team to investigate product issues, implement corrective actions and introduce sustainable improvements to released products.
- Provide manufacturing engineering expertise throughout product development projects, ensuring designs are optimised for manufacturability, assembly, quality, cost and ergonomic considerations.
- Lead engineering change activities, ensuring all product and process changes are assessed, validated and implemented with minimal disruption to production.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Demonstrable experience in a manufacturing or production engineering environment.
- Experience transferring products from development into production environments.
- Experience supporting and improving released products within a regulated or quality-focused manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in process improvement, Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence.
- Practical understanding of manufacturing processes including assembly, bonding, welding and production tooling.
- Experience working with injection moulding processes, tooling, materials and manufacturing principles.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Working knowledge of CAD systems (preferably SolidWorks) and ERP systems (preferably SAP).
Benefits:
- Discretionary Bonus Scheme based on Company Profit*
- 25 days Annual Leave, plus an extra day for every 5 years of continuous service
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Private Medical Plan*
- Health Shield Cash Plan*
- Horizon Gym Discount
- Death in Service Benefit*
Benefit available after completion of a successful probation.
Background Checks & Right to Work:
Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK for the duration of this role.
About Us:
The West Group is a globally recognised specialist in the design, production and supply of miniature fluid control solutions. With over 50 years' experience we have a great team of professional, highly skilled personnel, providing innovative solutions and delivering them worldwide.
Production Engineering Team Lead in Southampton employer: The West Group Limited
The West Group is an excellent employer for aspiring IT professionals, offering a supportive apprenticeship programme that combines hands-on experience with formal training towards a Level 3 IT Support Technician qualification. Located in Waterlooville, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, generous annual leave, and a range of health and wellness perks, all while being part of a globally recognised company with over 50 years of expertise in innovative solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Engineering Team Lead in Southampton
✨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 The West Group Limited, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Engineering Team Lead in Southampton
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 The West Group Limited 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 The West Group Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with The West Group Limited, 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 The West Group Limited 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.
