Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 (negotiable depending on experience)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm (Daytime hours only, with no night shifts, weekend working or rotating patterns.)
Benefits: Profit share Bonus after probation / 23 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays (negotiable) / Lunch provided three days per week/ Pension with auto‑enrolment / On‑site parking / Stable, long‑term role within a growing manufacturing business / High level of autonomy and visibility within the operation
The Opportunity
We are recruiting a Production Supervisor to take responsibility for the day‑to‑day performance of a busy manufacturing workshop. This is a hands‑on leadership role, best suited to someone who enjoys being on the shop floor, leading people and ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
You will play a key role in driving output, improving workflow and maintaining strong standards around safety, quality and cost control. This is not a desk‑based role. Your presence and influence on the workshop floor will be central to success.
Key Responsibilities
Operations and Production
- Oversee the daily running of the workshop to ensure production targets are met
- Plan and manage workflow, labour and resources to maximise efficiency
- Monitor work in progress and maintain smooth production flow
- Ensure materials, tooling and resources are available to avoid downtime
- Identify and resolve bottlenecks affecting output, cost or quality
Health and Safety
- Promote and maintain a strong safety‑first culture
- Ensure all work is carried out in line with health and safety procedures
- Carry out regular safety checks and address risks promptly
People Management
- Lead, manage and motivate a team of workshop employees
- Set clear expectations and maintain consistent standards
- Provide day‑to‑day supervision, support and guidance
- Manage performance, attendance and conduct issues fairly and confidently
- Support training, onboarding and development of team members
- Create a firm but fair working environment built on respect
Continuous Improvement
- Drive a lean mindset across the workshop
- Focus on waste reduction and productivity improvements
- Use KPIs and visual management to monitor performance
- Support and implement process improvements
Communication and Collaboration
- Work closely with planning, operations and office‑based teams
- Act as the link between the workshop and the office
- Share operational challenges and improvement ideas with senior management
Essential
About You
- Experience in a supervisory or leadership role within manufacturing or production
- Strong people management and team leadership skills
- Hands‑on approach with a willingness to be on the shop floor
- Ability to plan and prioritise in a fast‑paced environment
- Strong focus on health and safety, quality and cost control
- Confident, practical decision‑maker
Desirable
- Background in woodworking, joinery or similar manufacturing environment
- Understanding of lean manufacturing principles
- Lean or continuous improvement qualification beneficial but not essential
Personal Qualities
- Calm, resilient and solutions‑focused
- Approachable, consistent and respected
- Firm but fair leadership style
- Leads by example and engages naturally with people
Why Apply
- Opportunity to take ownership of a key operation
- Stable hours and long‑term career potential
- Trusted leadership role within an established, growing business
- Real influence over performance, people and process
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Supervisor in Winchester
✨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 UBT Pty, 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!
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 UBT Pty 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 UBT Pty
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with UBT Pty, 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 UBT Pty 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.
