Production Team Leader

React Recruitment Ltd; Hoo St. Werburgh; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days leave + BH

Free parking

OT when available

Monthly pay

Pension

Job summary

Our manufacturing client is seeking an experienced Production Section Leader to drive daily operations in a regulated environment. You will lead, coach, and develop an operational team to deliver production plans safely and efficiently.

You will manage shift resources, strive for high OEE, and promote continuous improvement through lean initiatives and SOPs. The role offers rotating shifts and potential future night work, with a discretionary annual bonus referenced in the ad.

Qualifications

• Proven supervisory or leadership experience in manufacturing or regulated production.
• Hands-on ability to set up and run plant equipment and automated systems.
• Knowledge of production KPIs, SOPs, safety procedures and compliance.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach day-to-day production operations to meet shift targets and KPIs (OEE, yield, waste, productivity).
• Maintain safety culture and ensure compliance with GMP/FDA, HSE/COMAH, ISO standards and SOPs.
• Lead, coach and onboard operators and technicians; manage shift planning, briefings and performance management.
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives using 5S, 3C's and 7 Wastes; develop SOPs to improve process reliability.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain and EHS to resolve issues and optimize throughput.

Skills

Leadership

Engineering mindset

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Engineering qualification

Job description

Our manufacturing client is seeking an experienced Production Team Leader.

Salary: Negotiable, confirmed on phone call, with discretionary annual bonus

Benefits: 25 days leave + BH, rising to 27 days after 5 years, free parking, OT when available, Monthly pay, pension etc

Location: Hoo, Rochester, Kent - having your own transport is essential

Hours: Rotating shifts 6am to 2pm / 2pm to 10pm

Possibility of night shift in the future

Are you an experienced production supervisor or team leader with a strong technical mindset? Do you excel at driving a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement?

The Production Section Leader will lead the day-to-day manufacturing operations. In this pivotal role, you will lead, coach, and develop an operational team to deliver production plans safely and efficiently within a highly regulated environment.

Production Section Leader key Responsibilities:

• Operations Management: Supervise day-to-day production operations to achieve shift targets, delivery schedules, and operational KPIs (OEE, yield, waste, and productivity).
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain a strong safety culture and ensure absolute compliance with industry-specific standards (e.g., GMP/FDA, HSE/COMAH, or ISO requirements) and company SOPs.
• People Leadership: Lead, coach, and onboard operators and technicians, managing shift resource planning, briefings, handovers, and performance management.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive lean manufacturing initiatives using structured problem-solving tools (5S, 3C's, 7 Wastes) and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maximize process reliability.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS teams to resolve process interruptions and optimize throughput.

Production Section Leader essential criteria:

• Proven supervisory or leadership experience managing teams within a manufacturing, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, or regulated production environment.
• Strongly engineering and technically minded, with the hands-on ability to set up and run plant equipment and automated systems.
• Practical knowledge of production KPIs, SOPs, safety procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational capabilities.

Production Section Leader desirable Criteria:

• Experience working in GMP pharmaceutical, chemical process operations (COMAH), FMCG, or high-volume advanced manufacturing.
• Direct knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, CAPA, or deviation management.
• A Degree, HNC/HND, or apprenticeship in Engineering, Manufacturing, Chemical, Life Sciences, or a related discipline