Production Team Leader

ZF Group; Wednesbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension System

2x Life Assurance cover

Health Cashplan

Job summary

ZF Lemforder UK Limited in Darlaston is seeking a Production Team Leader to guide a shift team of 10–20 employees in an assembly and/or machining environment. You will drive safety, quality, cost and delivery performance while supporting continuous improvement.

You will work with SAP ERP and DMP systems, manage training, 5S/TPM initiatives, and allocate labour in response to demand. The role requires ILM Level 2 and supervisory experience, with strong communication and a proactive, collaborative

Qualifications

• ILM Level 2 qualification is essential; IOSH Safety Management knowledge is desirable.
• Minimum 3 years' supervisory experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of 5S, the 7 Wastes, SMED and TPM is desirable.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication; ability to engage at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead a shift team of 10–20 employees in an assembly and/or machining environment.
• Ensure safety, quality, cost and delivery performance.
• Maintain production schedule and monitor machine outputs to ensure on-time delivery.
• Support continuous improvement activities and training; promote TPM and 5S practices.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Continuous improvement

Safety awareness

Education

ILM Level 2 qualification

IOSH Safety Management knowledge

Tools

SAP ERP

DMP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Req ID 89444 | Darlaston, United Kingdom, ZF Lemforder UK Limited

About the Team:

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 elevate 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, 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 approach, 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

What does DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) mean for ZF as a company?

At ZF, we continuously strive to build and maintain a culture where inclusiveness is lived and diversity is valued. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that all our employees can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this vision in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape the future of mobility.

Find out how we work at ZF: