Manufacturing Team Leader

Manufacturing Team Leader (Machine Shop)

Location: Derby (DE21)

Hours: Permanent, 39 hours per week

Flexible working hours:

Monday to Friday: Start between 7:00am and 8:00am

Monday to Thursday: Finish between 4:00pm and 5:00pm

Friday: Finish at 12:00pm

Salary: Competitive

We are recruiting for a Manufacturing Team Leader to take responsibility for the Machine Shop within a growing aerospace manufacturing business. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee daily operations, develop the team and drive continuous improvement while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality and productivity.

Key Responsibilities of a Manufacturing Team Leader:

* Lead and supervise the Machine Shop team, ensuring safety, quality, cost and delivery targets are achieved.

* Support the Manufacturing Manager with the day-to-day management of the department.

* Conduct daily shop floor walkarounds, engaging with the team and resolving operational issues.

* Own and manage the department's production schedule, working closely with the Production Coordinator.

* Monitor and report departmental performance using SQCDP metrics during daily operations meetings.

* Promote a strong health and safety culture through hazard spotting, job safety observations and continuous improvement initiatives.

* Apply structured problem-solving techniques to improve productivity, quality and process capability.

* Ensure team members follow work instructions, aerospace standards and company procedures.

* Maintain the department capability matrix and plan resources based on current skills and workload.

* Manage production throughput to achieve OTIF (On Time In Full) targets.

* Monitor planned versus actual production times and take appropriate action to improve efficiency.

* Oversee tooling maintenance, storage and replenishment.

* Allocate work according to production priorities and scheduling requirements.

* Manage recruitment, onboarding, absence management, performance reviews and other people-related processes.

* Work closely with Manufacturing Engineers and Technicians to resolve quality issues and prevent recurrence.

* Ensure employees receive appropriate training in line with company development plans.

* Support internal and external audits by maintaining high housekeeping and compliance standards.

* Lead weekly Gemba meetings and drive continuous improvement projects across safety, quality, cost and delivery.

* Work collaboratively with HR to maintain a positive, ethical and compliant working environment.

Key Skills of a Manufacturing Team Leader:

* Previous experience working within an aerospace manufacturing environment.

* At least three years' experience in a Manufacturing Team Leader or similar supervisory role.

* Strong understanding of machining and manufacturing processes.

* Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

* Experience of production planning, scheduling and performance management.

* Strong leadership, coaching and people management skills.

* Excellent problem-solving and continuous improvement experience, ideally using Lean methodologies.

* Good understanding of health and safety within a manufacturing environment.

* Strong communication and organisational skills.

* Committed to delivering high standards of quality, safety and operational excellence