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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic production team and drive operational excellence in a regulated environment.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing company in Belfast with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, day shifts, and clear progression pathways.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape team culture and make a real impact on performance and engagement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and a degree in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Production / Operations Supervisor to lead a high-performing production team within a regulated manufacturing environment in Belfast. This role carries significant responsibility, overseeing 30-40 direct reports, with a strong emphasis on people leadership, engagement, and performance management. We are seeking a confident, credible leader who can inspire teams, drive accountability, and deliver operational excellence.
The Role
- Lead day-to-day production operations, ensuring targets across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Engagement are achieved
- Oversee and develop a team of 30-40 operators and team leads
- Drive a strong people-first culture focused on engagement, accountability and performance
- Plan and allocate labour, materials and equipment to optimise output
- Monitor KPIs, identify risks early, and implement structured problem-solving actions
- Lead daily management processes and ensure clear communication through tiered meetings
- Champion continuous improvement and support structured change initiatives
- Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain and HR
- Support workforce planning, recruitment and succession development
- Maintain a safe, compliant, and positive working environment
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years' experience within a manufacturing or regulated production environment
- Proven experience managing large teams (30+ direct reports)
- Strong people management capability - coaching, mentoring and performance development
- Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives (Lean / Green Belt desirable)
- Degree-level qualification (Business, Engineering or related field preferred)
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to lead through change and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
Why Apply?
- Competitive salary (£50-55k)
- Day shift role
- High-impact leadership position
- Opportunity to shape culture and drive engagement
- Clear pathway for progression within a growing operation
This is an ideal opportunity for a strong operational leader who thrives on developing people, building high-performing teams, and delivering measurable results. If this role sounds of interest, apply below or reach out confidentially.
Production / Operations Supervisor in Newtownabbey employer: VANRATH
Contact Detail:
VANRATH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production / Operations Supervisor in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector, especially those who might know about openings for Production / Operations Supervisors. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to team leadership and operational excellence. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your people management skills during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've developed teams and driven engagement. Remember, they want to see how you inspire and lead others!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Production / Operations Supervisor in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Production / Operations Supervisor role. Highlight your leadership experience and any achievements in managing large teams, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the role. Share specific examples of how you've driven engagement and performance in previous positions.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role is all about leading a team, make sure to emphasise your people management capabilities. Talk about how you've coached and developed team members in the past, and how you foster a positive work culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Belfast!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to production and operations. Be ready to discuss how you've monitored and improved these metrics in your previous roles. This shows you understand the importance of data-driven decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your people management skills. Think about times when you've successfully coached or mentored team members, and be ready to share how you foster a culture of engagement and accountability within your teams.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Familiarise yourself with Lean principles or any continuous improvement initiatives you've led. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented changes that resulted in measurable improvements, showcasing your proactive approach to operational excellence.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since this role involves cross-functional collaboration, demonstrate your strong communication skills by discussing how you've effectively partnered with other departments like Quality, Engineering, and HR in the past.