Production Team Leader

ZF Group; Darlaston; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension System

2x Life Assurance cover

Health Cashplan

Job summary

ZF Group in Darlaston, United Kingdom seeks a Production Team Leader to steer a shift team of 10–20 in our assembly and/or machining environment, delivering safety, quality, cost and delivery performance.

You will work alongside six other Team Leaders to drive operational excellence through continuous improvement, team development and efficient production processes, fostering a safe, accountable and high‑performing culture.

Qualifications

• ILM Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) essential.
• Minimum 3 years' supervisory experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• IOSH Safety Management knowledge desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead a shift team of 10–20 employees to meet safety, quality, cost and delivery targets.
• Maintain production schedule and monitor outputs to ensure on-time delivery.
• Ensure training and competency through assessments and training matrices.
• Support 5S, TPM and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Use SAP ERP and DMP systems for stock and demand reporting on an hourly/shift basis.
• Plan changeovers to minimise downtime and drive waste reduction.

Skills

Team leadership

Supervisory experience

Continuous improvement

5S

SMED

TPM

IOSH Safety

MS Office

Education

ILM Level 2 qualification (or equivalent)

Tools

SAP ERP

DMP systems

Job description

As part of the Production & Technical Service team, you will lead a shift team of approximately 10 to 20 employees within an assembly and/or machining environment. Working alongside six other Team Leaders, you will be responsible for delivering customer expectations in safety, quality, cost, and delivery performance. The role plays a key part in driving operational excellence through continuous improvement, team development, and efficient production processes. Above all, you will foster a safe working environment and promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.

What you can look forward to as Production Team Leader

• Ensure all team members conform to Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality policies, controls, plans and procedures
• Maintain the production schedule to ensure on-time delivery to customers, monitor machine outputs, and regularly update machine planning boards to ensure reliable supply
• Ensure all team members are trained, conduct first-day assessments, maintain training matrices, and ensure compliance with standard work and operating procedures
• Maintain 5S standards within the area of responsibility and ensure TPM activities are completed in line with agreed plans
• Allocate and adjust labour resources in line with changing customer demand, monitor planned networking time, and maintain all performance metrics in line with targets
• Deal with and escape performance and conduct issues as required
• Use SAP ERP and DMP systems to monitor stock levels, customer demand, OEE performance, and ensure accurate reporting on an hourly/shift basis
• Plan changeovers to minimise downtime, raise maintenance requests for breakdowns, and support continuous improvement activities including quality improvements and changeover reduction

Your profile as Production Team Leader

• ILM Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) essential, with IOSH Safety Management knowledge or certification desirable
• Minimum 3 years' supervisory experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of 5S, the 7 Wastes, SMED, and TPM methodologies desirable
• Proactive, can-do attitude with a strong desire to deliver excellence within the area of responsibility
• Commitment to supporting and leading continuous improvement activities, including quality improvement, waste reduction, and changeover optimization
• Flexible approach to support changing business and operational requirements
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage at all levels

Why you should choose ZF in Darlaston

• Compensation of approximately £35k, depending on experience and qualifications
• Pension System
• 2x Life Assurance cover
• Health Cashplan