Job Description: Manufacturing Leader Reports To: Shift Manager Department: Synthetics Additional Reporting Line: Production Manager Location: Ashton-In-Makerfield Direct Reports: Production Staff Purpose of Role Manage two production lines, ensuring full accountability for Safety, Quality, and Cost metrics. Achieve targeted production output while maintaining the highest quality standards. Ensure accurate data entry in production paperwork, SFDC, and D365 systems. Supervise operational staff on a shift-by-shift basis. Complete non-major mechanical and sewing tasks. Handle holiday scheduling, absence management, and timekeeping. Collaborate with the Shift Manager to manage performance and drive improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities Safety Ensure both lines are safe and that all required safety checks and inspections are completed. Promote a clean-as-you-go culture and high housekeeping standards. Lead safety standard improvements across both lines. Train team members to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Safe Systems of Work. Escalate unresolved safety issues promptly. People Management Supervise operational staff during shifts. Record and manage team absences, late starts, and early leaves. Conduct return-to-work processes where needed. Ensure all team training is up to date and working practices are compliant. Maintain accurate training records and identify talent for development in consultation with the Shift Manager. Quality Keep both lines audit-ready ; deliver weekly audits and close out audit actions. Ensure compliance with all quality systems and documentation (e.g., Needles, Sharps, Metal Detectors, Shadow Boards). Investigate quality issues and implement corrective actions. Achieve waste KPIs. Cost Control Manage running speeds, efficiency, and labour recovery on both lines. Oversee the day-to-day management of the shift production team. Address non-major mechanical/sewing issues; escalate when support is needed. Plan labour resources effectively to balance coverage and cost. Lead Planned Maintenance initiatives with Engineering to minimise downtime. Additional Responsibilities Ensure compliance with Health and Safety guidelines and correct use of PPE. Support the John Cotton Group's environmental goals. Uphold and promote company values, vision, and mission. Challenge and report any breaches of expected standards. Undertake any additional duties as required by the role and responsibility level. Person Specification Required Skills & Experience Experience in cell operations Mechanically minded Completion of NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering Competencies Personal Competencies Dynamic: Work with urgency and motivate others. Problem Solver: Own challenges and lead improvement. Technically Competent: Understand and learn basic machine processes. Team Player: Support and uplift peers and the wider team. Leadership Competencies Effective Communicator: Listen, influence, and clearly communicate. Commercial Awareness: Consider time and cost implications of decisions. Assertiveness: Lead with confidence and explain the rationale behind decisions. Role-Specific Information Shift-Based Role - Flexibility is essential for business continuity. Shift Patterns: Night Shift: 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm Pay: £13.13 per hour