At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a lab environment, ensuring smooth production and safety.
- Company: Join Avantor, a forward-thinking company committed to innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Great career growth potential in a collaborative and innovative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding a team and improving production processes.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in supervising teams are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The purpose of this position is to support the Laboratory as part of a team of supervisors, working closely with the Production Manager, Production Planner and other Departmental Managers. The shift team lead role will direct the activities of team members and supervisors working within the production department, scheduling their work to meet production requirements and ensure an efficient and safe working environment.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with scheduling and overseeing workflow into the production areas in conjunction with the Laboratory Production Manager and Production Planner.
- Responsible for Workday administration for your team, including goal setting, holiday and absence approval.
- Set annual SMART goals for your team and run monthly reviews with all members.
- Assist with managing day‑to‑day operations such as evaluation backlogs, system requirements and ensuring columns are submitted promptly.
- Lead by setting an example – motivate and inspire, keep the team focused.
- Ensure working practices and all H&S protocols are always adhered to within the lab; immediately report any concerns to PM and Safety Officer.
- Continue improvements around 6S.
- Provide encouragement to team members, identify areas for new or further training and recommend suitability for production allocations.
- Assist with training when requested by manager.
- Answer team member questions and assist with problems such as method development or system troubleshooting; escalate issues that cannot be resolved by the team.
- Listen to team members’ feedback, resolve or escalate any issues or conflicts.
- Run regular one‑to‑one meetings with all direct reports.
- Provide overall feedback to managers regarding work environment and procedures.
- Ongoing assessment of productivity and processing – provide regular feedback to LPM/Production Planner for discussion in weekly lab meetings.
- Coordinate with other Production Supervisors and cover for any supervisor absences where required.
- Lock up the site as well as any other tasks as required.
Qualifications:
- Good level of education, including English and Maths.
- Ability to use a range of other computer programs, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Knowledge of SAP for production, inventory and material creation (desirable but not essential; full training will be provided).
- Experience of supervising teams in a manufacturing environment.
- Self‑motivated, demonstrating initiative and results‑oriented.
- Strives for continual improvement, demonstrates innovation and organisational agility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to prioritise workload and multi‑task.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Strong numerical skills with an understanding of volumetric weights/analysis.
- A commitment to quality standards and the importance of following procedures.
- An understanding of an HPLC/uHPLC column production environment (desirable but not essential; full training will be provided).
- Ability to collect, analyse and implement improvements to TDM data.
Working Conditions:
This role is predominantly laboratory based, but will require some office administration. Some degree of lifting and heavy work is likely with the daily moving of equipment, machinery and supplies.
Production Supervisor in Reading employer: VWR International, LLC.
Avantor is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the role of Production Supervisor. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that our team members are equipped to excel in their roles. Located in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment, we prioritise safety and efficiency while encouraging a supportive atmosphere where every voice is heard and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Supervisor in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles, especially those at companies you're interested in. They can give you insider info and might even refer you directly, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your answers to show how you align with their mission. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions for production supervisors and be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you handle team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Supervisor in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Production Supervisor role. Highlight any relevant supervisory experience and your ability to manage workflows effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, improved processes, or tackled challenges in a manufacturing environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since communication is key in this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use proper grammar and structure to demonstrate your written communication abilities.
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 the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at VWR International, LLC.
✨Know Your Production Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of production processes and team supervision. Understand the key responsibilities of a Production Supervisor, like scheduling workflows and ensuring safety protocols. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and inspired your team in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you resolved conflicts or provided training. This will demonstrate your ability to lead by example, which is crucial for this position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SMART Goals
Since setting SMART goals is part of the role, be ready to discuss how you would implement this in your team. Have a few examples of SMART goals you’ve set in the past, and be prepared to explain how you tracked progress and conducted reviews.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s production processes, team dynamics, and ongoing improvements like 6S. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
