Production Team Leader

Polytec Personnel Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Polytec Personnel Ltd is seeking an experienced Production Team Leader to oversee a manufacturing and repair team within a fast-paced, regulated production environment. You will ensure daily operations run safely, efficiently and to required quality standards while developing team capability and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include coaching, performance management, workload planning and cross‑department collaboration to sustain productivity and quality.

Qualifications

• Experience leading production teams in manufacturing/engineering environments.
• NVQ or BTEC qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong communication and cross-department collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support a team of production technicians with day-to-day guidance and performance management.
• Allocate workloads and coordinate daily activities to hit production targets.
• Ensure training records are up-to-date and staff competencies are maintained.
• Act as first point of contact for operational issues and troubleshooting.
• Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews with clear objectives.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Planning, Logistics and Quality to support production needs.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

NVQ or BTEC

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Location: Ely (CB6) Work Type: Permanent Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday) 7am - 4.15pm Monday to Thursday, 7am - 12.45pm Friday Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 dependent on experience Job Reference: 36412

Polytec are looking for an experienced Production Team Leader to oversee a manufacturing and repair team within a fast-paced, regulated production environment. The role is responsible for ensuring daily operations run safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards, while developing team capability and driving continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate and support a team of production technicians, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching and performance management
• Allocate workloads and coordinate daily activities to ensure production targets and deadlines are achieved
• Ensure all team members are appropriately trained, competent and have up-to-date training records
• Act as the first point of contact for operational issues, troubleshooting problems and escalating where necessary
• Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews and appraisals, ensuring clear communication of objectives and expectations
• Work closely with Engineering, Planning, Logistics and Quality departments to support production requirements and improve processes
• Carry out and oversee assembly, repair, testing and associated documentation in line with established procedures
• Ensure materials, components and equipment are available to maintain an efficient workflow
• Maintain accurate production records and system data, including work orders, bills of materials and stock information
• Monitor production performance, investigate quality issues and support corrective actions to improve efficiency and achieve right-first-time standards

Requirements:

• Previous experience in a team leadership or supervisory role within a manufacturing, production or engineering environment
• Relevant technical or vocational qualification (e.g. NVQ or BTEC), alongside a good standard of general education, or equivalent practical experience
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams, encouraging accountability and high performance
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across different departments
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, with the confidence to make decisions and escape issues when appropriate
• Experience with production systems, ERP software, work orders and inventory management would be advantageous