Production Team Lead

Nicholas Associates; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates, in partnership with a well‑established Sheffield manufacturing business, is recruiting a Production Team Leader. You will oversee a small production team, stay hands-on with daily processes and drive continuous improvement while ensuring safety and quality standards.

We are seeking an experienced supervisor or senior operator ready to step into formal leadership, with strong organisational and communication skills and a proactive, hands‑on approach.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or supervising colleagues on the shop floor.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Hands-on leadership style and the ability to lead from the front.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and coordinate a small production team.
• Organise daily workloads to meet production targets.
• Maintain high standards of quality, productivity and health & safety.
• Provide hands-on support within the manufacturing operation when required.
• Monitor attendance, timekeeping and shop-floor performance.
• Assist with machinery operation, routine checks and basic maintenance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the production function.
• Develop a detailed understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Act as a key point of contact between production staff and management.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Job description

We are working in partnership with a well-established manufacturing business in Sheffield to recruit a Production Team Leader. This is a key appointment within the production team, offering the opportunity to combine hands-on manufacturing responsibilities with day-to-day leadership of a small, experienced workforce.

This position would suit an existing Team Leader or Supervisor, as well as a senior production professional who is looking to step into their first formal leadership role.

The Opportunity

As Production Team Leader, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of daily manufacturing activities, maintaining production standards, and supporting the ongoing development of the team. While overseeing shop-floor operations, you will remain actively involved in the manufacturing process and lead by example.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and coordinate a small production team
• Organise daily workloads to ensure production targets are achieved
• Maintain high standards of quality, productivity and health & safety
• Provide hands-on support within the manufacturing operation when required
• Monitor attendance, timekeeping and general shop-floor performance
• Assist with machinery operation, routine checks and basic maintenance activities
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the production function
• Develop a detailed understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment
• Act as a key point of contact between production staff and management

Candidate Profile

• Previous experience within a manufacturing or production environment
• Experience leading, mentoring or supervising colleagues on the shop floor
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• A practical, hands‑on approach with the ability to lead from the front
• Confidence working within a fast‑paced production setting
• Ability to build credibility and gain the respect of an established team

Suitable Backgrounds

• Manufacturing Team Leader
• Cell Leader
• Lead Operator
• Senior Machine Operator
• Senior Production Operative
• Automated manufacturing environments
• Spraying or coating processes
• Adhesive or bonding applications
• Laminating operations
• Composite materials
• Panel or engineered product manufacturing