Team Leader/ Machine Operator - Metal

Hochiki Group; Dartford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday + bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing support (GP & wellbeing)

Cycle to work scheme

Life Assurance

Enhanced workplace pension

Internal trainings

Employee discounts

Job summary

Kentec Electronics Ltd., part of the Hochiki family, based in Dartford, UK, seeks a Team Leader to guide manufacturing teams and ensure delivery against production schedules. You will coach staff, implement quality standards, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

The role covers day-to-day supervision, with potential shift changes; a strong focus on safety, training, and workload coordination is essential to maintain high production quality.

Qualifications

• Follow instructions and diagrams.
• Meet tight deadlines with high accuracy.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Strong decision-making ability.
• Computer literate and proficient with standard software.

Responsibilities

• Work with Supervisors and Team Leaders to plan staffing to meet customer demand and production schedules.
• Ensure staff training is up to date for their roles.
• Apply basic problem-solving to meet product requirements.
• Report quality, process, equipment, materials or labour issues to the Production Supervisor.
• Support staff such as Production Supervisors and Materials/Warehouse to resolve issues.
• Maintain standard work and regular team communications.
• Contribute to continuous improvement with the Production Supervisor.
• Hands-on participation in building of products.
• Follow company policies and documented procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision making

Instruction following

Deadline awareness

Computer literacy

Job description

Kentec Electronics Ltd, during the last 40 years, has expanded into a major worldwide manufacturer of independent fire control panels. Over time, the Kentec brand has become known for its top-quality products, outstanding service, and exceptional support. Headquartered in Dartford, Kent, Kentec has established itself as a global leader, supplying control equipment to more than 90 countries across the world in multiple languages.

As part of the Hochiki Corporation - one of the world’s most established and respected fire detection and life safety manufacturers, with over 100 years of history - Kentec is proud to have been a valued member of the Hochiki family for the past 13 years. This partnership has strengthened our position in the global market, enabling us to deliver world-class fire control panel solutions backed by decades of innovation, quality, and reliability. Our shared values and long-standing collaboration continue to drive progress, excellence, and customer trust across the industry.

The Team Leader is responsible for being a leadership resource to team members, providing knowledge, experience, motivation, support and advice. They are responsible for knowing the correct procedures for staff to follow and ensuring that they comply. The Team Leader might be called upon to share special industry techniques on how to use tools and equipment, or tips on how to improve quality or speed of production. They encourage team effort and supportive attitudes between colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Work with Supervisors and other Team Leaders to manage and prioritize staffing assignments to ensure customer demand and production schedules are achieved.
• Make sure employees training is up to date to carry out their job role.
• Use basic problem-solving skills to ensure product requirements are met.
• Report problems or concerns with quality, processes, equipment, materials and labour to Production Supervisor.
• Work closely and support staff such as Production Supervisors, Materials/Warehouse to resolve issues.
• Observe, maintain, coordinate and complete standard work.
• Update staff with regular team communication.
• Identify and support continuous improvement efforts with Production Supervisor.
• Work as an active member of the team, when required. Hands on building of product.
• Follow documented policies and procedures as designated by the company.
• Follow detailed assembly instructions, processes and procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to facilitate manufacturing functions.
• Health and Safety in the workplace.

Skills, Experience and Person Specification

• Ability to follow instructions and diagrams.
• Working to tight deadlines with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Decision- making skills.
• Computer literate.

Job Specifics

• Working hours 8am - 4.30pm - please note that after an initial training period, this position may move to a two-shift system, as follows:
  • 06.00 - 14.30 with 30 minutes for lunch (8 hours)
  • 14.00 - 22.00 with 30 minutes for lunch (7.5 hours)
  • A shift premium will be paid in addition to the base rate (once role moves to late shifts)
• 24 days holiday, in addition to bank holidays, increasing with the years of service.
• Employee Assistance Programme (Wisdom)
• Unlimited access to 24/7 GP and wellbeing experts (Metlife)
• Support for Loved Ones during difficult times (Everest)
• Financial well-being scheme (Salary Finance)
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Enhanced workplace pension
• Enhanced parental leave
• Free Mental Health First Aid courses (M.H.F.A.)
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Internal Trainings
• Company Events
• Long Service Awards
• Employee benefits, discounts and perks (Kencheck)
• Volunteer with a charity of your choice for a day each year
• Get the latest tech at the best price and spread the payment over your salary, interest-free.