Senior Supervisor

Theo James Recruitment; North East; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global automotive manufacturer in Sunderland is looking for a Senior Supervisor. You will lead Supervisors and Operators to ensure safe and efficient operations, driving continuous improvement while optimizing performance. This role requires proven leadership in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Excellent benefits include generous annual leave, private healthcare, and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

26 days annual holiday + 8 Bank Holidays

Free on-site electric vehicle charging

Car lease scheme

Pension (GPP) 4.5% employer / 4.5% employee

Life assurance (4x pensionable pay after 1 year of service)

Private healthcare

On-site occupational health support

Company sick pay

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Cycle-to-work scheme

Profit share scheme

Sports and social club

Long service awards

Monthly prize draw

On-site canteen

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Team leadership experience.
• Desirable experience in Automotive manufacturing or press shop.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment of QCDMS to achieve targets.
• Drive improvement initiatives aligned with strategic plans.
• Oversee daily production planning.
• Optimise machine performance through availability and SPM control.
• Manage people performance through coaching and appraisals.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Support HR processes including absence and recruitment.
• Champion ownership and teamwork at shop floor level.

Skills

Leadership experience in fast-paced manufacturing

Team leadership experience

Experience in Automotive manufacturing

Experience in strategic change

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Senior Supervisor
Location: Sunderland
Hours: Two-shift pattern (06:45 to 15:03 and 15:00 to 23:18).
Salary: Up to £66,000 DOE

Benefits:

• 26 days annual holiday + 8 Bank Holidays (including summer and Christmas shutdowns)
• Free on-site electric vehicle charging
• Car lease scheme
• Pension (GPP) 4.5% employer / 4.5% employee
• Life assurance (4x pensionable pay after 1 year of service for GPP members)
• Private healthcare
• On-site occupational health support
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Profit share scheme
• Sports and social club
• Long service awards
• Monthly prize draw
• On-site canteen

The Company:

Our client is a leading global automotive manufacturer, part of a world-renowned network producing high-quality pressed steel components for major car makers. The Sunderland site is a flagship production facility equipped with advanced robotic press technology, operating to the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and quality.

With a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence, the company drives innovation in metal forming and assembly.

Job Description

You will lead, coach, and develop Supervisors and Operators to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality press operations. This position demands a strong leader capable of balancing production performance with continuous improvement, cost efficiency, and people development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic deployment of QCDMS (Quality, Cost, Delivery, Morale, Safety) to achieve UPS targets.
• Drive improvement initiatives aligned with departmental and midterm strategic plans.
• Oversee daily production planning to meet cost, capacity, and customer demand.
• Optimise machine performance and shift discipline through press availability and SPM (Strokes Per Minute) control.
• Manage people performance through structured coaching, appraisals, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Support HR processes, including absence, recruitment, and employee relations.
• Champion a culture of ownership, teamwork, and proactive problem-solving at shop floor level.

Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Team leadership experience
• Experience in Automotive manufacturing or press shop is very desirable.
• Experience of strategic change and making a long-term impact to production within manufacturing.

Why Join the Company?

This is an exceptional opportunity to step into a senior operational leadership role within a globally respected automotive manufacturer. You ll be joining a business that values safety, precision, and innovation and invests heavily in its people.

With clear progression pathways, a supportive leadership culture, and access to cutting-edge manufacturing technology, this is the perfect role for an experienced leader seeking to make a measurable impact in a world-class production environment.