Senior Supervisor

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

Job summary

A leading global automotive manufacturer in Sunderland seeks a Senior Supervisor to lead and develop teams ensuring high-quality press operations. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in a manufacturing environment and the ability to implement continuous improvement initiatives. With benefits such as bonus schemes, healthcare, and a supportive culture, this is an exceptional opportunity for an impact-driven leader.

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

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 fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Team leadership experience is crucial.
• Experience in Automotive manufacturing or press shop is very desirable.
• Experience of strategic change to production is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the deployment of QCDMS to achieve UPS targets.
• Drive improvement initiatives aligned with strategic plans.
• Oversee daily production planning and manage performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies.

Skills

Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment

Team leadership experience

Experience in Automotive manufacturing or press shop

Experience of strategic change and making a long-term impact to production

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

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.

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

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