Operations Supervisor

Lonza, Inc.; Slough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading print and distribution services company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Production Supervisor for night shifts. The role involves leading and supervising production associates, ensuring quality control, and managing production flow to meet customer demands. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience in manufacturing, including supervisory roles. Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills are essential. The company offers competitive salary and various benefits including professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Life Assurance

Training Opportunities

Free hot drinks

Long Service Awards

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of production metrics and process control.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead production associates to ensure optimal performance.
• Oversee daily manufacturing processes for quality compliance.
• Manage production flow to meet turnaround time objectives.

Skills

Manufacturing process control

Team leadership

Conflict resolution

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

GCSEs or equivalent

Tools

Production management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Schedule: Nights
Ingram Content Group UK Ltd is a leader in providing a comprehensive suite of inventory‑free on‑demand print and distribution services for books to the publishing industry. Lightning Source gives the publishing community options to print books in any quantity, one to 10,000, and provides its customers access to the most comprehensive worldwide bookselling channel in the industry. The world is reading, and it is our goal to connect as many people as possible to the content they want in the simplest ways. Join a customer‑centric team that strives for excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead Production Associates: Direct, coach, and support production team members to ensure optimal performance, productivity, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Process control & quality monitoring: Oversee daily manufacturing processes to ensure consistent quality and compliance with established process control standards. Identify process deviations and take corrective action as needed.
• Meet turnaround time (TAT) objectives: Manage production flow and prioritize tasks to ensure on‑time delivery of products according to customer or internal TAT requirements.
• Shift reporting & documentation: Complete and maintain shift production reports, downtime logs, and quality control documentation in accordance with procedures. Communicate key shift information during handovers and to management.
• Safety and compliance: Promote a safe working environment by enforcing safety protocols and leading regular safety audits or checks. Report incidents and coordinate corrective actions.
• Continuous improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
• Training & development: Assist in training new associates and cross‑training team members to enhance workforce flexibility and capability.
• Perform other duties reasonably requested by the management team.
• Be responsible for personal health and safety and be aware of factors affecting colleagues to maintain a safe environment.
• Report any accidents or potential hazards to the health and safety team immediately.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or team‑lead role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing process control and production metrics.
• Proven ability to lead teams, resolve conflicts, and meet production deadlines.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proficient in using production management software, Microsoft Office, and quality control systems.

Education

• GCSEs or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of leading teams.
• Leadership within a modern manufacturing environment.
• Lean manufacturing, problem solving and continual process improvement experience.
• Track record of leading a manufacturing team, bringing great leadership and team relationship building knowledge.
• High level of drive and commitment.
• Good verbal and written communication.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Resilient.
• Excellent communicator.
• Positive team player.

Essential Physical Demands

• Ability to walk and stand continuously during the assigned shift.
• Ability to lift/carry in full range of motion throughout the assigned shift.
• Ability to push/pull in a manufacturing environment throughout the assigned shift.
• Ability to grip/grasp as required during the assigned shift.
• Ability to bend, kneel/squat, twist/turn and reach above shoulder height during the assigned shift.
• Ability to work the designated 12‑hour shift as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Life Assurance.
• Continuous Professional Development and Training Opportunities.
• Free hot drinks.
• Long Service Awards.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.