Quality Department Team Leader Location: Sunderland Rate: £15.85 £16.60 per hour Shift Pattern: 2 Shift Pattern Contract: Opportunity for permanent employment Our automotive manufacturing client in Sunderland is looking for a driven and capable Quality Department Team Leader to lead the Rework function, ensuring robust quality control, effective team leadership, and disciplined inventory and product status management. Role & Responsibilities Lead, coach, and develop a team of rework operatives, with full accountability for performance, safety, attendance, and engagement. Take ownership of rework inventory control, ensuring accurate tracking, containment, and reconciliation of all rework stock. Manage product status control, ensuring clear identification, segregation, and traceability of all components throughout the rework process. Ensure rigorous verification of checked product, maintaining compliance with internal standards and customer requirements. Plan and control the rework schedule via the inventory system, aligning priorities with production needs and minimising disruption. Work closely with Production Supervisors to identify, prioritise, and resolve quality concerns within your area. Plan labour, equipment, and material requirements to support production schedules and rework demand. Deliver structured daily briefings, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement within the team. Generate and maintain accurate reports on quality performance, rework activity, and key issues. Lead training and competency assessment of all rework methods, including the safe use of abrasive wheels and associated processes. Maintain and update training matrices, ensuring all personnel are appropriately trained, assessed, and authorised for tasks. Knowledge & Experience Proven experience in a similar leadership role, ideally within an automotive or fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of quality control, rework processes, and inventory management systems. Experience in delivering training and conducting competency assessments within a production environment. Ability to manage priorities in a high-pressure environment and make sound operational decisions. Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team. Flexible approach to working shifts and overtime as required. Apply Now .