Lead Injection Mould Setter

5S Recruitment Limited; Simonstone; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established plastics manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Lead Setter to manage machine set-ups, tool changes, and provide technical leadership on the shop floor. This hands-on role involves guiding a small team while ensuring process efficiency and output. Ideal candidates should have 3–5 years of relevant experience and strong mechanical knowledge. You'll also be responsible for meeting production goals and maintaining safety standards in the workplace. Competitive salary and growth opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Experience handling performance management and discipline.
• Analytical and comfortable thinking on your feet.
• Able to work under pressure and deliver against targets.

Responsibilities

• Take active role in daily production meetings.
• Ensure machines are running to target cycle times and quality standards.
• Lead work allocation to setters and apprentices.
• Monitor team performance and support training.
• Oversee machine set-ups and tool changes.

Skills

Strong mechanical and engineering knowledge within injection moulding

3–5 years’ experience as a setter in plastics injection moulding

Proven ability to lead, mentor, or supervise a shop‑floor team

Strong problem‑solving skills

Clear communicator with good organizational skills

Education

Engineering or Manufacturing‑related qualification

Business Improvement Techniques - Level 3

S/NVQ Level 2 - Performing Manufacturing Operations

S/NVQ Level 2 - Performing Engineering Operations

Job description

The Role

5S Recruitment is supporting a well-established plastics manufacturer in the appointment of a Lead Setter to take ownership of machine set‑ups, tool changes, and on‑shift technical leadership. This is a hands‑on, shop‑floor leadership role. You'll be responsible not only for process stability and output, but also for leading and developing a small team of setters, tool slingers, and apprentices, acting as the technical point of contact on shift. The role suits an experienced setter ready to step up or an existing lead setter who enjoys accountability, structure, and getting the best out of both machines and people.

Key Responsibilities

• Take an active role in daily production meetings, contributing technical input and shift feedback
• Ensure machines are running to target cycle times, quality standards, and output requirements
• Lead and allocate work to setters, tool slingers, and apprentices across the shift
• Monitor team performance and support training and development plans
• Carry out and oversee machine set‑ups and tool changes, optimising processes for efficiency
• Ensure production plans are followed, with all changes clearly recorded and justified
• Accurately log downtime, faults, and root causes, escalating issues where required
• Report machine breakdowns and technical issues promptly to the General Production Manager / Planner
• Introduce and reinforce good working practices in line with site standards
• Ensure scrap is removed and handled correctly in line with procedure
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment at all times
• Enforce adherence to health, safety, environmental, and PPE requirements
• Apply fair and firm discipline in line with company disciplinary and grievance procedures
• Complete tasks and instructions set by the General Production Manager

Skills & Experience

• Strong mechanical and engineering knowledge within injection moulding
• 3–5 years’ experience as a setter in the plastics injection moulding industry
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, or supervise a shop‑floor team
• Confident handling performance management, discipline, and grievance processes
• Analytical, decisive, and comfortable thinking on your feet
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Clear communicator with good organisational and time‑management skills
• Able to work under pressure and deliver against production targets
• Willing to be accountable for both personal performance and team output

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Engineering or Manufacturing‑related qualification
• Business Improvement Techniques - Level 3
• S/NVQ Level 2 - Performing Manufacturing Operations
• S/NVQ Level 2 - Performing Engineering Operations
• Engineering Apprenticeship including:
  • Level 2 S/NVQ (e.g. Materials Processing & Finishing)
  • Level 2 Technical Certificate (e.g. Production Engineering / Composites)

Next Steps

This vacancy is being managed confidentially by 5S Recruitment.