Production Team Leader

Abatec Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing recruitment agency is looking for a proactive Team Leader / Machine Operator to oversee their polyamide extrusion department. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in plastics manufacturing and a willingness to guide a team in meeting quality and output targets. Key responsibilities include operating extrusion lines, leading a small team, and maintaining safety standards. The role offers a salary of £29,000-£31,000 with opportunities for progression and overtime.

Benefits

April pay review

Career progression pathways

Overtime opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in plastics manufacturing, ideally extrusion or injection moulding.
• Strong understanding of extrusion machinery and polymer behaviour.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a small production team.
• Operate, monitor, and set up polyamide extrusion lines.
• Carry out in-process quality checks.

Skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Communication

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Team Leader / Machine Operator to join our polyamide extrusion department. This role combines team coordination with technical machine operation, making it ideal for someone with a strong background in plastics manufacturing or mechanical processing who is ready to lead by example.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support a small production team, ensuring targets for output, quality, and safety are consistently met.
• Operate, monitor, and set up polyamide extrusion lines, adjusting temperature profiles, screw speeds, and feed rates as required.
• Prepare raw materials, including drying, blending, and loading polyamide into extrusion equipment.
• Allocate daily tasks, coordinate workflow, and provide guidance to team members throughout each shift.
• Carry out in-process quality checks and ensure accurate production data is recorded.
• Assist with troubleshooting process issues and support continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe extrusion environment, following ISO standards and Health & Safety procedures.

About You

• Experience in plastics manufacturing, ideally extrusion or injection moulding.
• Strong understanding of extrusion machinery and polymer behaviour.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience is desirable, or a desire to step into a leadership role.
• Mechanical or technical background (e.g., mechanical engineering, CNC operation, machine setting).
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts and contribute positively to a team-focused atmosphere.

What's on Offer

• Salary: £29,000-£31,000
• April pay review & career progression pathways
• Rotating shift pattern (with fewer nights):
• Mon-Fri: 6am-2pm
• Mon-Fri: 2pm-10pm
• Mon-Thurs: 9:30pm-6:30am
• Overtime opportunities to increase earnings