Team Leader

GMP Recruitment Agency Ltd; Bicester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

GMP Recruitment Agency Ltd. is seeking an experienced Team Leader to manage a Surface Finishing department focused on powder coating. You will lead a hands-on team, drive production targets, and ensure quality, traceability, and on-time delivery in a precision manufacturing setting.

The role involves overseeing planning, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives while promoting a safe, collaborative work environment. In-person work location in the UK.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team in powder coating or precision manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of powder coating processes, preparation, and curing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or similar quality systems.
• Demonstrated track record of improving production performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily activities of the surface finishing team to hit production targets.
• Plan workloads, allocate resources, and ensure work is completed on schedule.
• Collaborate with Planning, Quality, and Maintenance for smooth production flow.
• Lead by example with hands-on coating, inspection and troubleshooting.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative team culture.

Skills

Team leadership

Production planning

Powder coating

Quality assurance

ISO 9001 knowledge

Tools

3D CAD

Job description

Team Leader - Surface Finishing (Powder Coating)

Lead a High-Performing Surface Finishing Team

We’re looking for an experienced and hands‑on Team Leader to take ownership of our Surface Finishing Department. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong background in powder coating and precision manufacturing who enjoys leading people, improving processes, and delivering exceptional quality.

What You’ll Be Doing – Leadership & Operations

• Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the Surface Finishing team to achieve production targets.
• Plan workloads, allocate resources, and ensure work is completed efficiently and on schedule.
• Work closely with Planning, Quality, and Maintenance teams to ensure smooth production flow and on-time delivery.
• Lead by example by supporting hands‑on coating, inspection, and troubleshooting when required.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative team culture.

Quality & Process Excellence

• Ensure all work is completed in line with customer specifications, technical drawings, and quality standards.
• Verify coating processes meet cosmetic, dimensional, and performance requirements.
• Carry out in‑process inspections and ensure any quality issues are resolved quickly and effectively.
• Maintain accurate production records, quality documentation, and traceability.
• Champion a right‑first‑time approach and drive continuous quality improvements.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture and maintain a clean, organised working environment.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety procedures and company policies.
• Deliver toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Take immediate action to address hazards or unsafe behaviours.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor departmental KPIs including quality, efficiency, yield, rework, and costs.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
• Support budget planning, resource management, and cost control.
• Contribute ideas for new equipment, improved layouts, and technological enhancements.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience leading a team within a powder coating, surface finishing, plating, or precision manufacturing environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of powder coating processes, surface preparation, and curing techniques.
• Proven experience managing production schedules, people, and performance.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience working within ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or similar quality management systems.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within medical device, aerospace, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience of coating or plating applications.
• Understanding of 3D CAD and component inspection techniques.

Work Location: In person