Production Lead

About the CompanyWe are recruiting for a Production Team Leader (PTL) with the ambition, capability, and hunger to grow into the Business Unit Leader (BUL) role within 1–2 years. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven individual who wants to progress into senior management in a fast-paced, engineering-led manufacturing environment.About the RoleThe PTL will ensure that the team achieves daily customer requirements in Quality, Delivery, and Cost, while driving continuous improvement and maintaining a safe and efficient operation. This person will focus on sustaining and improving Lean manufacturing practices — particularly flow and pull systems — by coaching and supporting Cell Leaders and team members. The PTL will be a hands-on leader, fostering positive behaviors, addressing poor performance constructively, and developing a culture of problem-solving, creativity, and continuous improvement.ResponsibilitiesLeadership & People Development Coach and mentor Cell Leaders and team members to achieve consistent high performance.Foster a positive, accountable, and improvement-driven team culture.Address poor performance, absenteeism, and morale issues constructively and promptly.Lead daily QDC (Quality, Delivery, Cost) team huddles and maintain performance boards.Coordinate cross-training and ensure an up-to-date Training Matrix.Be a visible leader on the shop floor, motivating and guiding the team during Gemba walks.Operational Excellence Uphold Lean principles, including standard work, one-piece flow, and visual management.Ensure real-time documentation (scrap sheets, FTT, production targets) is accurate and up to date.Drive continuous improvement (CI), Kaizen, and 5S initiatives.Maintain manufacturing systems and ensure all documentation and labelling align with current standards.Support the BUL in administering company policies and achieving performance targets.Engineering & Process Improvement Strengthen our mechanical engineering and problem-solving capabilities, especially in: Sheet metal cutting and formingTooling design and optimisationTurning and assembly processesLead Gemba walks to identify and act on opportunities for safety, quality, delivery, and productivity improvements.Support flow cell setup, kanban systems, TPM, SMED, and visual management across the unit.Administration & Systems Ensure accurate and timely Sage/MRP transactions (back-flushing, scrap, rework).Manage shift handovers, start-ups, and staff allocations effectively.Collaborate with the BUL to maintain correct TAKT times, staffing levels, and standard work splits.QualificationsStrong mechanical engineering background with hands-on capability.Proven experience in manufacturing, fabrication, and production assembly.Sound knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.Proficiency in MRP/ERP systems (Sage experience an advantage).Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.Excellent leadership and communication skills — both verbal and written.Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.Demonstrated ability to motivate, support, and develop teams.Required SkillsStrong mechanical engineering background with hands-on capability.Proven experience in manufacturing, fabrication, and production assembly.Sound knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.Proficiency in MRP/ERP systems (Sage experience an advantage).Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.Excellent leadership and communication skills — both verbal and written.Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.Demonstrated ability to motivate, support, and develop teams.Preferred SkillsExperience in a fast-paced, engineering-led manufacturing environment.Knowledge of advanced Lean manufacturing techniques.Pay range and compensation packageStarting Salary: Up to £50,000, with clear growth potential within the first and second years, tied to leadership development and business impact.Equal Opportunity StatementWe expect all team members — and especially our leaders — to live our values daily:Customer First – Always prioritise the customer, both external and internal.Dependable – Do what you say you will; follow through with excellence.Courageous – Be brave, take initiative, and act decisively when needed.Positive – Bring energy and a can-do attitude to every challenge.Problem Solver – Strive to deliver better engineered solutions for our customers.SummaryThis is a strategic development role designed for a high-potential leader ready to step into senior management within a short timeframe. If you have strong mechanical engineering knowledge, a passion for Lean manufacturing, and the leadership energy to inspire teams and drive improvement — we want to hear from you.