Aerospace Manufacturing Team Leader - Day Shift

First Base; Derby; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

First Base is recruiting a Manufacturing Team Leader to join our Derby site on the day shift. You will lead a manufacturing team to ensure production, quality, safety and delivery targets are met, while supporting the Manufacturing Manager in daily operations.

The role requires aerospace manufacturing experience, at least three years in a supervisory role, and a strong grasp of shop floor processes, drawings, and LEAN/CI. You will drive continuous improvement and coach the team.

Qualifications

• Previous aerospace manufacturing experience or compliance with aerospace standards.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or team leader role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and shop floor operations.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience leading teams in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing production performance, workload and resources.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of health and safety in manufacturing.
• Understanding of SQCDP, LEAN and continuous improvement principles.
• A positive leader who demonstrates integrity, respect, safety and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the manufacturing team to achieve production, quality, safety and delivery targets.
• Support the Manufacturing Manager in day-to-day running of the department.
• Conduct daily shop floor walks, engaging with the team and addressing operational issues promptly.
• Manage departmental scheduling, workload priorities and resource requirements to ensure production targets are achieved.
• Monitor team performance, provide real-time feedback and coaching of team members.
• Analyse KPIs and present production, quality, EHS and capacity information through SQCDP metrics.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture through hazard spotting and safety observations.
• Ensure adherence to work instructions, aerospace standards and company procedures; act as first point of contact for technical issues.
• Apply structured problem-solving to identify root causes and improve process capability, quality and performance.
• Manage throughput of work to achieve OTIF targets.
• Generate and review production data to ensure planned times are accurate and tasks completed on time.
• Maintain tooling storage and replenishment systems.
• Allocate work according to production priorities and scheduling requirements.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Technical teams to resolve quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Support training and development of team members.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, absence management and performance management.
• Lead weekly Gemba meetings and support LEAN and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain clear communication and documentation for smooth operational continuity.
• Support audits by maintaining clean, organized and compliant environments.

Skills

Aerospace manufacturing

Team leadership

Shop floor operations

Engineering drawings

LEAN principles

Health & safety

Job description

First Base is recruiting a Manufacturing Team Leader to join our Derby site on the day shift. You will lead a manufacturing team to ensure production, quality, safety and delivery targets are met, while supporting the Manufacturing Manager in daily operations.

The role requires aerospace manufacturing experience, at least three years in a supervisory role, and a strong grasp of shop floor processes, drawings, and LEAN/CI. You will drive continuous improvement and coach the team.