At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage production operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Company: Wavin, part of the Orbia group, focused on sustainable environments.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence site performance and develop high-performing teams.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture that empowers change and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a collaborative and innovative manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering or manufacturing experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Wavin – an Orbia business, purpose is what drives us. We’re building healthy, sustainable environments for communities around the world, combining innovation, collaboration, and expertise to solve some of the toughest challenges facing the built environment today. We are currently recruiting for a Production Supervisor to join our site in Chippenham, taking an important role within our largest manufacturing facility in the UK.
About the role
We’re looking for a hands‑on production leader who thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and knows how to get the very best from people, processes, and performance. You’ll be someone who can balance operational delivery with strong leadership — driving safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement while building a high‑performing culture on the shop floor. This role is ideal for a candidate with strong plastics extrusion or continuous manufacturing experience who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and leading teams through change.
- Lead and manage daily extrusion production operations to achieve safety, quality, and delivery targets
- Plan schedules, line utilisation, changeovers, and material flow to maximise throughput and minimise downtime
- Coordinate closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams on preventative maintenance and breakdown response
- Drive and maintain a strong safety‑first culture, ensuring compliance with EHS standards and procedures
- Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions where required
- Ensure products consistently meet specification and quality standards
- Implement and maintain SOPs, SPC processes, first‑off checks, and corrective actions
- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leaders, and operators
- Support capability development across setup, troubleshooting, quality, and continuous improvement activities
- Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 5S, SMED, Kaizen, and OEE improvement
About you
- Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Plastics Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or equivalent experience
- Proven experience in a production leadership role within manufacturing
- Strong experience in plastics extrusion or continuous polymer processing
- Practical knowledge of extrusion equipment, dies, haul‑offs, cutters, and downstream systems
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, OEE, SPC, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Excellent leadership, coaching, and team development skills
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities with a data‑driven mindset
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications
- Basic understanding of PLC/HMI systems desirable
At Wavin, we’re driven by a clear purpose: building healthy, sustainable environments for future generations. As part of the global Orbia group, you’ll join a business where innovation, safety, and continuous improvement are central to everything we do. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing operation, influence site performance, and develop high‑performing teams within a collaborative and supportive environment. We empower our people to take ownership, drive change, and make a meaningful impact — both on site and across the wider business.
Production Supervisor (Shifts) employer: Wavin UK, an Orbia business
At Wavin, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability. As a Production Supervisor in Chippenham, you will not only lead a dedicated team in our largest UK manufacturing facility but also benefit from extensive opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement ensures that you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
Contact Details:
Wavin UK, an Orbia business Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Supervisor (Shifts)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Wavin. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Wavin’s values and recent projects. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with our mission of building sustainable environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you’ve successfully led teams or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in our minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Supervisor (Shifts)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Supervisor role. Highlight your experience in plastics extrusion and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of building sustainable environments!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for manufacturing and how you can contribute to our safety-first culture. Let us know why you're excited about the opportunity at Wavin and how you can drive continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've solved problems or improved processes in a manufacturing setting. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical mindset and practical knowledge of extrusion equipment!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and for you to stay updated on your progress. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wavin UK, an Orbia business
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of plastics extrusion and continuous manufacturing processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to share stories about how you've successfully led teams in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your ability to drive safety, quality, and efficiency while fostering a high-performing culture on the shop floor.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about your experience with Lean Manufacturing initiatives like 5S, SMED, and Kaizen. Discuss how you've implemented these methodologies to improve processes and performance in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Wavin's approach to safety, innovation, and team development. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.
