Production Team Leader

Apex Recruitment Services; Coventry; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A Production Team Leader is sought by Apex Recruitment Services to own a production area in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing setting. You will ensure safe, high-quality, on-time production through leadership, continuous improvement and team development.

You will lead daily ops, coach teams, drive Lean initiatives and manage safety, quality and performance metrics, while collaborating with planning and support functions to meet demand and budgets.

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• NVQ Level 3-5, HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Business or related discipline, or equivalent manufacturing experience.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using problem-solving techniques including A3 and structured root cause analysis.
• Ability to analyse production data and make informed operational decisions.
• Knowledge of safety, quality and operational excellence standards.
• Experience managing employee performance, engagement and development.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Good IT skills, including Excel; SAP experience would be advantageous.
• IOSH certification would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operational activities including Team Improvement Boards, line walks, TPM checks, FIFO compliance, Day-by-the-Hour reviews and issue escalation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental and operational standards.
• Conduct and manage safety audits, investigations, corrective actions and Gensuite activities.
• Lead, coach and develop production teams, ensuring high levels of engagement and performance.
• Conduct one-to-ones, disciplinary processes and performance reviews.
• Maintain skills matrices, identify training needs and ensure effective onboarding of team members.
• Own and drive standard work, safe systems of work and risk assessment compliance.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing activities including Kaizen events, A3 problem solving and continuous improvement projects.
• Support and develop High-Performance Teams (HPTs).
• Drive process control improvements and change management activities.
• Manage labour resources, workload balancing and stakeholder coordination.
• Collaborate with planning teams to ensure customer demand, capacity and production schedules are achieved.
• Monitor and improve key metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost and engagement.
• Manage operational budgets and labour efficiency within the value stream.
• Support production performance through effective communication with support functions and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Problem solving (A3)

Data analysis

Communication

Stakeholder management

Excel

Education

NVQ Level 3-5 / HND in Engineering or related

Tools

SAP

Gensuite

Job description

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Production Team Leader to take ownership of a production area within a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will ensure parts are produced safely, to the highest quality standards, and on time through effective leadership, continuous improvement, and team development. The Production Team Leader will drive engagement, empowerment, and operational excellence while supporting key business objectives and Lean initiatives.

Role & Responsibilities of a Production Team Leader

• Lead daily operational activities including Team Improvement Boards, line walks, TPM checks, FIFO compliance, Day-by-the-Hour reviews and issue escalation.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental and operational standards.
• Conduct and manage safety audits, investigations, corrective actions and Gensuite activities.
• Lead, coach and develop production teams, ensuring high levels of engagement and performance.
• Conduct one-to-ones, disciplinary processes and performance reviews.
• Maintain skills matrices, identify training needs and ensure effective onboarding of team members.
• Own and drive standard work, safe systems of work and risk assessment compliance.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing activities including Kaizen events, A3 problem solving and continuous improvement projects.
• Support and develop High-Performance Teams (HPTs).
• Drive process control improvements and change management activities.
• Manage labour resources, workload balancing and stakeholder coordination.
• Collaborate with planning teams to ensure customer demand, capacity and production schedules are achieved.
• Monitor and improve key metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost and engagement.
• Manage operational budgets and labour efficiency within the value stream.
• Support production performance through effective communication with support functions and stakeholders.

Requirements of a Production Team Leader

• Previous leadership experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• NVQ Level 3-5, HND or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent manufacturing experience.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using problem-solving techniques including A3 and structured root cause analysis.
• Ability to analyse production data and make informed operational decisions.
• Knowledge of safety, quality and operational excellence standards.
• Experience managing employee performance, engagement and development.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Good IT skills, including Excel; SAP experience would be advantageous.
• IOSH certification would be advantageous.
• Safety-first mindset with high ethical standards.
• Ability to build collaborative, high-performing teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Production Team Leader seeking a position where they can make a significant impact on operational performance, employee engagement and continuous improvement.