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 4x 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:
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Lead a team of operatives across fabrication and welding processes
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Manage daily and weekly schedules to maintain workflow in bottleneck areas
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Drive a proactive Health & Safety culture; ensure PPE and safe working practices
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Attend and lead SIC and operational meetings
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Use data tools (scanning/FourJaw) to track downtime, performance, and quality issues
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Ensure production targets and quality standards are met
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Motivate and coach team members to foster accountability and high performance
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Escalate production or personnel issues where appropriate
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Ensure 5S and housekeeping standards are maintained at all times
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Support lean initiatives and promote continuous improvement
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Act as cover for the Production Manager during absence/leave
Requirements:
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Proven experience leading teams in a fabrication/welding environment
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Strong people management and communication skills
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Understanding of lean manufacturing principles
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Confident using Excel and production data systems (experience with D365 desirable)
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Hands-on leadership style with ability to influence and improve team performance
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Comfortable working flexibly across two nearby manufacturing sites
Desirable:
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Formal training in lean or manufacturing leadership
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Experience with SIC/5S/TPM tools
Benefits:
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£19.23 per hour
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25 days holiday + bank holidays
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Overtime at time and a half
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Pension scheme: 5% employee / 3% employer
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Health cover via Westfield Health
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Life assurance (2x salary)
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Cycle to Work Scheme
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Electric car scheme (post-probation)
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Laptop provided