Manufacturing Team Leader

Progressive; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive is seeking a Manufacturing Team Leader to join its site near Stevenage. You will lead a busy manufacturing team, drive operational improvements and ensure production targets and quality standards are met while fostering a high-performing culture.

The role combines people management, hands-on leadership and continuous improvement. You will influence process improvements, implement lean practices and work closely with Production, Engineering and Quality teams to deliver results.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing leadership roles such as Manufacturing Team Leader or Production Supervisor.
• Proven People Management experience in manufacturing.
• Strong team leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Experience driving Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and structured problem solving.
• Ability to engage shop floor stakeholders and drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing activities and develop the team.
• Create a positive, high-performing team environment.
• Coach and mentor employees to support development.
• Manage production targets and ensure quality standards.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Conduct RCA and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering and Quality teams.
• Monitor KPIs and promote Health & Safety and Quality.

Skills

People Management

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Team Leadership

Job description

Manufacturing Team Leader

Location: near Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Commutable from: Stevenage, Letchworth Garden City, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, St Albans, Biggleswade, Bedford, Royston, Hitchin, Harlow, Hemel Hempstead, Luton and surrounding areas

Salary: Up to £45,000 + Benefits

Type: Permanent, Full Time

Manufacturing Team Leader | People Management | Production Leadership | Continuous Improvement | Lean Manufacturing | Stevenage | Up to £45,000

A leading Engineering & Manufacturing organisation is seeking a Manufacturing Team Leader to join its operations team at its manufacturing facility near Stevenage.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Manufacturing Team Leader, Production Team Leader, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Supervisor or Assembly Team Leader looking to take ownership of a key manufacturing area within a growing business.

The successful candidate will lead a team within a busy manufacturing environment, ensuring production targets, quality standards and operational objectives are achieved whilst creating a positive, high-performing team culture. Strong People Management, coaching and leadership skills will be essential, as this role requires an individual who enjoys developing others, leading from the front and maintaining a visible presence on the shop floor.

Alongside team leadership responsibilities, you’ll play a key role in driving Continuous Improvement, improving manufacturing efficiencies, implementing best practice and helping modernise existing processes. This is an opportunity to join a business where you can genuinely influence how the department develops over time.

Unlike many Manufacturing Team Leader positions, this role offers a combination of People Management, operational leadership and continuous improvement responsibility, allowing you to make a visible impact on both team performance and manufacturing operations.

The Manufacturing Team Leader Role

As a Manufacturing Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing activities whilst developing your team and driving operational improvements across production and assembly operations.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating and developing a manufacturing team
• Creating a positive and high-performing team environment
• Supporting employee development through coaching and mentoring
• Managing day-to-day manufacturing activities to ensure production targets are achieved
• Driving Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective actions
• Identifying opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and quality
• Working closely with Production, Engineering and Quality teams
• Supporting assembly, machining and welding operations
• Monitoring team performance and operational KPIs
• Promoting high standards of Health & Safety and Quality
• Supporting operational excellence and manufacturing improvement activities

What We're Looking For

• Experience within a Manufacturing Team Leader, Production Team Leader, Manufacturing Supervisor, Production Supervisor or similar leadership position
• Previous People Management experience within a manufacturing environment
• Strong team leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
• Experience driving Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
• Experience conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and structured problem solving
• Ability to build credibility and engagement on the shop floor
• Experience improving manufacturing processes and operational performance
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• A proactive, hands‑on leadership style with a "can-do" approach

Industry Backgrounds Considered

• Manufacturing / Assembly / Industrial Engineering / Precision Engineering
• Aerospace / Automotive / Electronics Manufacturing / FMCG
• Production Engineering / General Manufacturing

What's On Offer?

• Salary up to £45,000 + Benefits
• Opportunity to lead within a growing manufacturing operation
• Significant People Management responsibility
• Exposure to Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing programmes
• Opportunity to influence and modernise manufacturing processes
• Long-term career development opportunities
• Diverse manufacturing, assembly and operational improvement projects
• A highly visible role with genuine impact on business performance
• Close collaboration with senior operational leadership

This Manufacturing Team Leader role is commutable from: Stevenage, Letchworth Garden City, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, St Albans, Biggleswade, Bedford, Royston, Hitchin, Harlow, Hemel Hempstead, Luton and surrounding areas.

Desired Skills and Experience

Manufacturing Team Leadership / People Management / Production Leadership / Manufacturing Operations / Continuous Improvement / Lean Manufacturing / Root Cause Analysis (RCA) / Problem Solving / Operational Excellence / Team Development / Coaching & Mentoring / Employee Engagement / Performance Management / Assembly Manufacturing / Production Management / Process Improvement / Health & Safety / Quality Management / Shop Floor Leadership / Manufacturing Supervisor / Production Supervisor / Operational Leadership / Change Management / Industrial Manufacturing / Assembly Operations / Production Planning