Team Lead - Finishing in Barnstaple

Lead and support the finishing team in delivering high-quality patinated and finished components to company standards and bespoke customer requirements. This is a hands-on role, requiring the successful candidate to actively carry out finishing processes while leading the team to ensure consistency, quality, safety, and on-time delivery. The role involves working with a range of finishing techniques including blasting, chemical and acid treatments, and manual surface finishing processes to achieve specific visual and aesthetic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the finishing and hammering teams, including task allocation, scheduling, and performance management to meet production targets and on-time delivery (OTD).
• Support production planning and workflow management to optimise efficiency and throughput.
• Create, manage, and close jobs within the ERP system, ensuring accurate booking, tracking, and completion of work.
• Carry out hands-on finishing processes including blasting, chemical and acid baths, and Scotch-Brite abrasive techniques to achieve required visual finishes.
• Develop and maintain consistent finishing methods, adjusting chemical and acid processes systematically to ensure repeatable, high-quality results.
• Ensure all parts are processed in line with quality standards and customer specifications.
• Work closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to resolve issues and refine finishing processes.
• Maintain strict adherence to Health & Safety procedures, particularly in relation to chemical handling, PPE, and safe working practices.
• Ensure correct handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and materials in line with environmental and safety regulations.
• Monitor and maintain finishing equipment and work areas, carrying out first-line maintenance and reporting faults where necessary.
• Train, mentor, and support team members to develop skills in finishing techniques and maintain high standards.
• Promote and maintain 5S and continuous improvement practices within the finishing area.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support wider business activities as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across production processes.
• Act as a role model for company values, quality standards, and professional behaviours.
• Provide flexibility to meet changing production demands and priorities.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the business.

Specific Skills / Experience

• Team leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to organise workloads and manage time effectively in a production environment.
• Experience using ERP systems for job tracking and production control.
• Proven experience in metal finishing, patination, or surface treatment processes (e.g., brass, bronze, or similar materials).
• Hands-on experience with blasting, chemical and acid treatments, and manual finishing techniques (e.g., Scotch-Brite abrasion).
• Strong understanding of achieving consistent visual finishes and aesthetic quality standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain consistency across batches.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to refine processes for improved outcomes.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations, particularly COSHH and safe chemical handling.
• Experience working with and safely handling chemicals and acids.

Social and Environmental Responsibility

At Turnstyle Designs, we are committed to people and the planet. As a Certified B Corporation and member of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, we aim to create a positive impact through responsible sourcing, reduced waste and emissions, and community support. In this role, you are expected to actively support these efforts by contributing to sustainability goals, community initiatives, and everyday practices that reduce environmental impact.