Production Team Leader

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 4× 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.

• Lead a team of operatives across fabrication and welding processes
• Manage daily and weekly schedules to maintain workflow in bottleneck areas
• Drive a proactive Health & Safety culture; ensure PPE and safe working practices
• Attend and lead SIC and operational meetings
• Use data tools (scanning/Four Jaw) to track downtime, performance, and quality issues
• Ensure production targets and quality standards are met
• Motivate and coach team members to foster accountability and high performance
• Escalate production or personnel issues where appropriate
• Ensure 5S and housekeeping standards are maintained at all times
• Support lean initiatives and promote continuous improvement
• Act as cover for the Production Manager during absence/leave

• Proven experience leading teams in a fabrication/welding environment
• Strong people management and communication skills
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles
• Confident using Excel and production data systems (experience with D365 desirable)
• Hands‑on leadership style with ability to influence and improve team performance
• Comfortable working flexibly across two nearby manufacturing sites

• Formal training in lean or manufacturing leadership
• Experience with SIC/5S/TPM tools

• £19.23 per hour
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Overtime at time and a half
• Pension scheme: 5% employee / 3% employer
• Health cover via Westfield Health
• Life assurance (2x salary)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric car scheme (post‑probation)
• Laptop provided