Production Group Lead

Vestas; Newport; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Vestas is seeking a Production Group Lead at its Newport blade manufacturing site to drive safety, quality and on‑time delivery. You will lead operators, foster a culture of accountability, and push continuous improvement in a high‑volume production environment.

A strong engineering or manufacturing background and leadership experience are essential as you safeguard safety standards and optimize cost and performance.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or related discipline or equivalent practical experience.
• A vocational qualification or higher education within manufacturing, engineering, or related field.
• Leadership or supervisory training.
• Minimum 3 years of experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience leading or coordinating teams in an operational setting.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements in manufacturing.
• Experience working with ERP and MES systems.
• The legal right to work in the United Kingdom.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in a production setting to meet safety, quality, delivery and cost targets.
• Transform strategy into daily execution by creating an environment where people and performance thrive.
• Ensure team adheres to standard work instructions and procedures and promote a right-first-time mindset.
• Coordinate daily activities to support production targets and delivery schedules.
• Monitor productivity, efficiency and operational performance metrics and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage workforce planning and resource allocation; oversee attendance and wellbeing.

Skills

People leadership

Safety leadership

Operational excellence

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Vocational qualification in manufacturing/engineering

Tools

ERP systems

MES systems

Job description

Are you ready to lead an effective manufacturing team while contributing to a greener future?

At Vestas, we are looking for a Production Group Lead to join our blade manufacturing facility in Newport, Isle of Wight. We are seeking an experienced people leader for an opportunity that involves guiding teams in an active production setting, advancing safety practices, and supporting operational Excellence.

As Production Group Lead, you will be responsible for leading a team of operators, ensuring that safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are met while promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Technology & Operations > Blades Manufacturing > IOW-Shell M7-Shift4

Vestas' Newport facility is the UK's premier onshore wind blade manufacturing site, producing composite wind turbine blades that help power the transition to renewable energy.

You will become part of a team that puts safety, innovation, collaboration, and operational Excellence at the center of all we do.

Responsibilities

As Production Group Lead, you will transform strategy into daily execution by creating an environment where both people and performance can thrive.

Safety Leadership

• Enforcing compliance with Vestas' safety standards, policies, and procedures
• Promoting safe working practices and ensuring adherence to the Vestas 5 Safety Rules
• Ensuring proper use of PPE, lifting procedures, waste handling, and other safety systems
• Supporting and collaborating with Safety Representatives
• Conducting regular safety and quality walks
• Managing workplace organization initiatives, including 5S audits
• Participating in production and operational review meetings

People Leadership

• Providing clear leadership, coaching, and development through regular 1:1 discussions
• Ensuring employees are appropriately trained, qualified, and able to perform their assigned tasks
• Building a motivated and engaged team focused on continuous improvement
• Managing workforce planning and resource allocation
• Monitoring attendance and managing employee wellbeing matters
• Following up on productivity, efficiency, and operational performance metrics

Quality Excellence

• Ensuring all team members understand and follow standard work instructions and procedures
• Promoting a right-first-time mindset and preventing zero operator-related defects
• Supporting effective management of non-conformities and corrective actions
• Supporting continuous improvement of quality performance

Delivery Performance

• Executing the production plan safely and efficiently
• Meeting agreed production targets and delivery schedules
• Supporting operational excellence through effective coordination of daily activities
• Ensuring alignment with Vestas priorities of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost

Cost Management

• Improving productivity and efficiency
• Monitoring and reducing scrap, waste, and rework costs
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance overall operational performance

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• A vocational qualification or higher education within manufacturing, engineering, or a related field
• Leadership or supervisory training
• Minimum 3 years of experience within a manufacturing or production environment
• Experience leading or coordinating teams in an operational setting
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements in manufacturing
• Experience working with ERP and MES systems
• The legal right to work in the United Kingdom

Competencies

• A capable and approachable leader
• Passionate about developing others and building effective teams
• Structured and results-oriented in your approach to work
• Capable of making sound decisions in a busy production setting
• Skilled at problem-solving and root cause analysis
• Focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Able to build trust and collaborate across functions
• Motivated by delivering results through others

What We Offer

At Vestas, you'll have the opportunity to build a meaningful career while contributing to the global transition to sustainable energy.

• A challenging and rewarding leadership role within a global major company in renewable energy
• Meaningful chances to build your skills and advance your career
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities to develop your leadership capabilities and technical knowledge
• Attractive pay and benefits package
• The opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable energy

Join us and become part of a team that is helping build renewable energy solutions.

Our commitment to a fair hiring.

At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely based on their professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, we kindly ask that you remove any photos, dates of birth or graduation, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal information not relevant to the role before submitting your CV/resume. Your CV/resume should focus on your professional and educational background, along with the necessary contact details (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

DEIB Statement

At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas

Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore.

Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 200 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field.

With 39,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution - today, tomorrow, and far into the future.

Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity.

To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.