Production Supervisor

Knights Recruitment; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training opportunities

Job summary

Knights Recruitment is seeking a Production Supervisor to lead the AM shift for a busy metal recycling operation in the UK. You will organise the team, ensure safety and quality, and resolve day-to-day production issues with a hands-on leadership style.

The role suits someone with supervisory or senior operative experience who can motivate operators, manage downtime and maintain production targets on an approx. 6am–2:30pm schedule.

Qualifications

• Previous supervisory or team leader experience is desirable.
• Experience in production, manufacturing, recycling, waste management, warehousing or similar environment.
• Ability to lead a team and give clear, practical direction.
• Strong work ethic and an owner's mindset, taking responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the AM production shift and organise the team effectively.
• Lead, motivate and manage operators to ensure the shift runs safely and efficiently.
• Monitor tonnage, production output and quality throughout the shift.
• Take prompt action where production or quality standards lag behind.
• Set clear expectations and ensure workplace standards are followed.
• Support the team with day-to-day production issues and minimise downtime.
• Coordinate with Maintenance Team to handle routine equipment breakdowns.
• Escalate serious safety issues or major incidents immediately.
• Identify recurring problems and support improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Coach and develop operators, identify skills gaps and build a capable team.
• Ensure a clear AM-to-PM shift handover and accurate production records.

Skills

Team leadership

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Shift planning

Job description

Production Supervisor - Lead the AM Shift

We are recruiting for an experienced and motivated Production Supervisor to take ownership of the AM production shift for a busy and growing metal recycling operation.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys being hands‑on, leading from the front and taking responsibility for the safe and efficient running of a production team.

You will be responsible for organising the team, maintaining production output and quality, dealing with day‑to‑day operational issues and helping develop a skilled and flexible workforce.

Previous supervisory experience would be an advantage, but we are also keen to hear from experienced Production Operatives, Yard Operatives or Recycling Operatives who are ready to take the next step into leadership.

The Role

• Taking ownership of the AM production shift and organising the team effectively.
• Leading, motivating and managing operators to ensure the shift runs safely and efficiently.
• Monitoring tonnage, production output and quality throughout the shift.
• Taking prompt action where production or quality standards are falling behind.
• Setting clear expectations and ensuring workplace standards are followed consistently.
• Supporting the team with day‑to‑day production issues and keeping downtime to a minimum.
• Taking control of routine equipment breakdowns, identifying faults where possible and coordinating with the Maintenance Team.
• Escalating serious safety issues, fires, major incidents or potential equipment damage immediately.
• Identifying recurring operational problems and supporting improvements to prevent them happening again.
• Coaching and developing operators, identifying skills gaps and building a capable, flexible team.
• Ensuring a clear and accurate AM‑to‑PM shift handover.
• Maintaining accurate production records and ensuring workplace procedures are followed.

About You

• Previous experience within production, manufacturing, recycling, waste management, warehousing or a similar operational environment.
• The confidence to lead a team and give clear, practical direction.
• A strong work ethic and a genuine "owner's mindset", taking responsibility rather than waiting to be told what to do.
• A practical and solutions-focused approach to production problems.
• Good judgement and the ability to make sensible decisions within your level of authority.
• The ability to remain calm and effective when dealing with operational issues.
• Good attention to detail and a focus on safety, productivity and quality.
• The ability to read workplace instructions and complete written records accurately.
• Basic workplace maths and the ability to understand production figures and targets.
• A willingness to develop both technical knowledge and leadership skills.

Experience

Previous supervisory or team leader experience is desirable but not essential.

This could be an ideal next step for an experienced Production Operative, Yard Operative, Recycling Operative, Machine Operator, FLT Operative or Manufacturing Operative who has already demonstrated leadership potential and is ready to take on greater responsibility.

What matters most is your attitude, initiative, accountability and willingness to develop.

What's on Offer?

• Permanent position within an established metal recycling operation
• AM shift (6am - 2.30pm)
• Opportunity to progress into a leadership role
• Hands‑on responsibility for a production team
• Training and development opportunities
• The opportunity to make a genuine impact on production performance, safety and team development