Role PurposeThe 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 Responsibilities1. People Leadership & Performance ManagementLead, motivate and support shift teams to achieve operational and behavioural standards.Manage all people-related activities on shift including:Time & attendance and timekeeping accuracyAbsence management and return-to-work processesAnnual leave planningPerformance management and conduct issuesIdentify 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 PlanningPlan 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 & EfficiencyEnsure 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 rateQuality and waste levelsDowntimeMaterial usage varianceAttendance and timekeeping accuracyHealth & safety incidents4. Problem Solving & Decision MakingAct 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 & CommunicationComplete 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 & EnvironmentMaintain 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 ImprovementActively 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 CollaborationLiaise 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 EnvironmentFactory-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 & ExperienceEssentialPrevious experience as a Team Lead / Supervisor in a manufacturing or industrial environmentStrong people management and communication skillsExperience managing shift-based teamsUnderstanding of production KPIs and operational performance metricsStrong problem-solving and decision-making abilityComfortable working rotating shiftsGood IT and reporting skillsDesirableExperience in plastics, recycling or process manufacturingKnowledge of lean manufacturing / continuous improvementHealth & safety trainingPersonal AttributesHands-on leadership styleCalm and decisive under pressureOrganised and detail-focusedFair and consistent communicatorStrong safety mindsetResults-driven and accountableCollaborative and supportive team playerValues & BehaviourThe Operations Team Lead is expected to:Act with integrity and professionalismPromote teamwork and mutual respectSupport sustainability and waste reduction initiativesDemonstrate ambition for operational excellence and continuous improvementContribute positively to company culture and growthJob Types: Full-time, PermanentBenefits:Bike to work schemeCompany eventsCompany pensionEmployee assistance programOn-site parkingApplication question(s):What is your salary expectation for this role?Work Location: In person