Role Purpose
The Operations Team Lead is responsible for leading and managing a production team to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality operations during their assigned shift. The role ensures production targets, quality standards, and material usage requirements are achieved while maintaining high standards of health & safety, housekeeping, and environmental compliance.
This is a hands-on leadership role with a strong presence on the factory floor, supporting operators, resolving issues in real time, and driving performance, accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
1. People Leadership & Performance Management
* Lead, motivate and support shift teams to achieve operational and behavioural standards.
* Manage all people-related activities on shift including:
* Time & attendance and timekeeping accuracy
* Absence management and return-to-work processes
* Annual leave planning
* Performance management and conduct issues
* Identify training needs and contribute to structured training and development plans.
* Coach and mentor team members to improve skills, flexibility and engagement.
* Support onboarding and training of new starters.
* Identify high-potential employees and support succession planning.
* Ensure company policies and procedures are applied consistently and fairly.
2. Production & Workload Planning
* Plan and allocate workload and resources to meet daily production requirements.
* Ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix for operational needs.
* Communicate shift priorities clearly at shift start and throughout the shift.
* Monitor progress and adjust plans as required to meet targets.
3. Operational Control & Efficiency
* Ensure production run rates, output targets and quality standards are achieved.
* Monitor downtime, waste and efficiency throughout the shift and take corrective action.
* Ensure raw material usage is in line with agreed blends and specifications.
* Ensure slow-moving or ageing stock is used according to agreed plans.
* Monitor performance against KPIs including:
* Output / run rate
* Quality and waste levels
* Downtime
* Material usage variance
* Attendance and timekeeping accuracy
* Health & safety incidents
4. Problem Solving & Decision Making
* Act as first point of escalation for operational, technical and people issues on shift.
* Troubleshoot production, quality, material and staffing issues and implement solutions promptly.
* Make operational decisions within agreed authority to maintain safe and efficient production.
* Escalate critical issues appropriately.
5. Reporting & Communication
* Complete accurate end-of-shift production and performance reports.
* Record incidents, actions taken, risks and outstanding issues.
* Deliver clear, structured handovers to the incoming shift team.
* Maintain effective communication with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering and Supply Chain teams.
6. Health, Safety, Quality & Environment
* Maintain high standards of housekeeping and organisation across production areas.
* Ensure compliance with all health & safety, environmental and quality procedures.
* Lead by example in safe working practices.
* Intervene immediately where unsafe behaviour or conditions are identified.
* Support audits, inspections and corrective actions.
* Ensure SOPs and work instructions are followed and maintained.
7. Continuous Improvement
* Actively contribute to continuous improvement and lean initiatives.
* Identify root causes of recurring issues and support long-term solutions.
* Participate in process improvement, cost reduction and efficiency projects.
* Support trials of new equipment, processes or materials.
8. Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Liaise with Maintenance to prioritise breakdowns and planned work.
* Work closely with Quality on non-conformances and corrective actions.
* Coordinate with Supply Chain/Warehouse to ensure material availability.
* Support Engineering during process changes and upgrades.
Working Environment
* Factory-based role with prolonged standing and walking.
* Manual handling will be required.
* PPE mandatory at all times in production areas.
* Shift work including nights, weekends and public holidays.
Skills & Experience
Essential
* Previous experience as a Team Lead / Supervisor in a manufacturing or industrial environment
* Strong people management and communication skills
* Experience managing shift-based teams
* Understanding of production KPIs and operational performance metrics
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
* Comfortable working rotating shifts
* Good IT and reporting skills
Desirable
* Experience in plastics, recycling or process manufacturing
* Knowledge of lean manufacturing / continuous improvement
* Health & safety training
Personal Attributes
* Hands-on leadership style
* Calm and decisive under pressure
* Organised and detail-focused
* Fair and consistent communicator
* Strong safety mindset
* Results-driven and accountable
* Collaborative and supportive team player
Values & Behaviour
The Operations Team Lead is expected to:
* Act with integrity and professionalism
* Promote teamwork and mutual respect
* Support sustainability and waste reduction initiatives
* Demonstrate ambition for operational excellence and continuous improvement
* Contribute positively to company culture and growth
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee assistance program
* On-site parking
Application question(s):
* What is your salary expectation for this role?
Work Location: In person