Job Title: Production Team Leader – Fabrication & Welding
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire
Salary: £19.23 per hour
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week – multiple shift patterns (no night shifts)
A well‑established manufacturer is seeking a hands‑on Production Team Leader to oversee the day‑to‑day operations within their fabrication and welding cell. This is a key role in a business that has increased its turnover 4× in just four years and is now entering new markets including nuclear. You will be instrumental in managing a team of circa 15, driving production efficiency, enforcing safety protocols, and delivering on KPIs across quality, output, and on‑time delivery. Reporting to a Production Manager and Operations Director, this position offers the opportunity to step up and shape a leaner, more structured production environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead a team of operatives across fabrication and welding processes
* Manage daily and weekly schedules to maintain workflow in bottleneck areas
* Drive a proactive Health & Safety culture; ensure PPE and safe working practices
* Attend and lead SIC and operational meetings
* Use data tools (scanning/FourJaw) to track downtime, performance, and quality issues
* Ensure production targets and quality standards are met
* Motivate and coach team members to foster accountability and high performance
* Escalate production or personnel issues where appropriate
* Ensure 5S and housekeeping standards are maintained at all times
* Support lean initiatives and promote continuous improvement
* Act as cover for the Production Manager during absence/leave
Requirements
* Proven experience leading teams in a fabrication/welding environment
* Strong people management and communication skills
* Understanding of lean manufacturing principles
* Confident using Excel and production data systems (experience with D365 desirable)
* Hands‑on leadership style with ability to influence and improve team performance
* Comfortable working flexibly across two nearby manufacturing sites
Desirable
* Formal training in lean or manufacturing leadership
* Experience with SIC/5S/TPM tools
Benefits
* £19.23 per hour
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
* Overtime at time and a half
* Pension scheme: 5% employee / 3% employer
* Health cover via Westfield Health
* Life assurance (2x salary)
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Electric car scheme (post‑probation)
* Laptop provided
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