Production Group Lead

Vestas Wind Systems A/S; Newport; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership role

Career development

Inclusive work environment

Global company

Job summary

Vestas is looking for a Production Group Lead for our Newport, Isle of Wight blade facility. You will lead operators, drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets, and foster accountability and continuous improvement.

You will provide people leadership, manage production planning, and coordinate with functions to meet daily targets while upholding Vestas' safety standards. Manufacturing experience and ERP/MES knowledge are required.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical) 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.

Responsibilities

• Safety Leadership: enforce safety standards, promote safe working practices, and conduct 5S audits.
• People Leadership: coach and develop team members, plan resources, and monitor attendance and wellbeing.
• Quality Excellence: ensure standard work, promote right-first-time, and support corrective actions.
• Delivery Performance: execute production plan, meet targets, and coordinate daily activities.
• Cost Management: improve productivity and reduce scrap and waste; support cost-focused initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Decision making

Collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

Engineering degree (Industrial/Mechanical/Electrical) or equivalent

Vocational qualification or higher education in manufacturing/engineering

Leadership or supervisory training

Tools

ERP

MES

Job description

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.

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

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.

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

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.

We Offer

• 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