Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK's largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.
We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.
At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.
Production Supervisor – MQP Northampton
Location: Northampton
Department: Operations
Reports to: Operations Manager
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and highly capable Production Supervisor to join our MQP Northampton team. This key role is responsible for the coordination of all fuels and raw materials coming into and out of the production process, ensuring maximum plant efficiency, reliability and safety. You will work closely with Shift Managers and oversee both direct and indirect day process staff, as well as jointly supervise shift mechanical personnel.
This position plays a vital part in maintaining safe operations, driving process optimisation, supporting maintenance planning, and ensuring compliance with all environmental and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Safety, Environment, Quality & Maintenance
* Ensure all Safety, Environment and Quality Management Systems are implemented and regularly audited.
* Act promptly on non‑conformances and audit findings.
* Identify, plan and implement corrective actions for safety, environmental or quality issues.
* Deliver and ensure completion of SAFE inspections, talks and checks.
* Allocate appropriate resources for safety, environmental and quality actions.
* Set and maintain housekeeping standards across the plant.
* Ensure implementation of preventative, corrective and autonomous maintenance activities (MIP).
Supervision & People Leadership
* Support, coach and motivate day process staff.
* Identify training needs and promote skill development.
* Attend and contribute to safety and operational meetings.
* Prepare monthly and ad‑hoc performance reports.
* Drive cost‑reduction initiatives.
* Work with the Planning Department to ensure all maintenance plans are executed and documented.
* Oversee and coordinate holiday and sickness cover.
Operations
* Identify bottlenecks and barriers to plant capacity, recommending and implementing solutions.
* Communicate area performance clearly across the operations team.
* Develop running plans, ensuring allowance for planned maintenance.
* Maintain safety competence assessments for all personnel.
* Diagnose and rectify process inefficiencies.
* Collaborate with other departments to deliver production and maintenance targets at minimum cost.
* Coordinate maintenance and projects with the Maintenance Department.
* Oversee all fuel and raw material deliveries, ensuring stock levels and quality remain sufficient.
Budget, Quality & Performance
* Ensure adherence to allocated budgets and cost‑reduction targets.
* Oversee all production and quality activities within your responsibility area.
* Lead staff in optimising production processes and equipment utilisation.
* Support the development and career progression of direct reports and industrial staff.
Requirements
* Strong knowledge of process and engineering, ideally with cement manufacturing or similar heavy industry experience.
* Minimum of 5 years' supervisory experience preferred.
* Proven skills in supervision, planning, problem-solving and communication.
* Confident working in a unionised environment; able to lead, delegate and motivate teams.
* Proactive, resourceful and able to manage risks and prioritise effectively.
* Proficient in SAP, MS Office, and other relevant applications.
* Mechanical engineering background preferred.
What We Expect from the Role Holder
* Compliance with the Hanson Compliance Policy and Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
* Commitment to preventing fraud and following all relevant instructions and procedures.
* Engagement in training and continual development.
* Adherence to all HR policies and procedures.