Team Leader – Machine Shop. Location: Whitstable, Kent Hours: Day based role 37.5 Hours per week Team Leader – Machine Shop Job Opportunity An established manufacturing business in Whitstable, Kent is seeking a Team Leader of the Machine Shop to support day-to-day production while leading and developing a team of CNC Operators. This is a supervisory, hands-on role with responsibility for people, performance, quality and health & safety. You’ll work closely with the Production Manager to ensure production targets are met efficiently, safely and to the required quality standards. The role The Team Leader will be responsible for the smooth daily running of a machine shop cell, coordinating workloads, managing operators and maintaining strong performance across delivery, quality and safety. Alongside leadership responsibilities, this role remains production-focused and requires a practical understanding of machining, inspection and shop-floor operations. Key objectives include on-time delivery, arrears management, quality performance and KPI monitoring, while maintaining a trained, motivated and compliant team. Key responsibilities for this Team Leader – Machine Shop job role Production & performance Organise daily workloads and resources to meet the manufacturing schedule and production KPIs, including OTD, quality and arrears. Monitor and manage cell performance, completing daily production metrics and maintaining cell KPI boards. Ensure throughput targets are achieved within standard costs and times, with a strong focus on product quality. Set and run assigned machinery safely, as trained and required. People & leadership Lead, supervise and motivate a team of Operators, including temporary labour where applicable. Plan and delegate daily priorities, authorise holidays and manage sickness and absence. Conduct team briefs and toolbox talks aligned to health & safety, quality and delivery objectives. Support recruitment activities including interviews, assessments and reviews when required. Deputise for the Production Manager as needed. Quality & continuous improvement Ensure first-off and in-process inspections are carried out correctly. Identify, report and drive improvement around scrap, rework and not-right-first-time issues. Maintain accurate skills matrices and ensure operators are trained and competent. Support initiatives to improve flexibility, capability and coverage across the team. What we’re looking for Team Leader – Machine Shop job role Experience working in a manufacturing or production environmen t i.e. CNC or Machine Shop. Proven experience supervising or leading a team. Maybe in a role such as Production Team Leader, a Manufacturing Supervisor and Machine Shop Supervisor or a CNC Production Supervisor. Strong health & safety awareness. Experience working to KPIs such as safety, quality and delivery. Ability to read CAD drawings and conduct first-off inspections. Understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning and quality systems. Strong organisation,communication and planning skills. Confident delegator with the ability to manage changing priorities. Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles What is on offer from this Team Leader – Machine Shop job role Competitive salary and an excellent benefits package Stable, long-term role within a well-established manufacturing environment. Opportunity to step into a key leadership position with real influence on performance and culture.