Manufacturing Team Leader

Job Description

Salary £44,. Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions beyond the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.

We are looking for Manufacturing Team Leaders to support the Detectors LoB within the Production function at our Southampton site. The Manufacturing Team Leader is responsible for overseeing the manufacture of complex processes within our Southampton Detectors LoB (Line of Business). This role ensures production targets, quality standards, and safety requirements are consistently met, whilst providing strong people leadership driving engagement, performance, and development of a team of technicians and operators to achieve both operational and individual success.

• Lead and supervise a team of Operators and Technicians within one of our Detectors Manufacturing Areas, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance team culture.
• Supervise, and/or technically lead, the activities of a medium to large size team; set objectives and contribute to assessment of their performance, while actively coaching, mentoring, and supporting individual development, to ensure team effectiveness and compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental standards.
• Act as a visible and approachable leader, promoting open communication, addressing concerns, and driving employee engagement and wellbeing within the team.
• Influence cross-functional teams (including engineering and/or project management) to improve the design/quality/build methodology/m manufacturing plan of the product based on practical knowledge and experience.
• Drive company KPI burndown through leading process improvement & problem solving to ensure continuous improvement within own area.
• Diagnose and resolve technical/process/product problems, either independently or as a team, including finding innovative solutions, within broad business procedures, to contribute to business improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Provide advice, coaching, and ongoing performance feedback to all team members to ensure best use of tools and support overall team effectiveness.
• Develop the team using company tools to support succession planning, identify high-potential talent, and maximise team capability.
• Ensure processes are conducted according to technical specifications outlined and products are compliant with required quality standards.

• Proven experience in Manufacturing, ideally within Semi-Conductor or AIT manufacturing, but also within Aerospace / Defence or high-reliability industries.
• Previous team leadership or supervisory experience.
• Excellent practical knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Proven relevant technical proficiency either through qualification (HND / degree) or equivalent experience and knowledge.
• In depth practical knowledge of relevant Health, Safety and Environmental principles (IOSH qualification required for the role, but training can be provided).
• Familiarity with quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Ability to persuade and influence others.
• Ability to articulate and explain technical understanding.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of relevant areas of SAP.

• Experience with clean room environments.
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

• Time to Recharge – Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future – Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer…