Team Leader - Machine Shop

Location: Whitstable, Kent
Salary: £34,000 - £37,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About the Role

We're seeking an experienced Machine Shop Team Leader to join a leading engineering and manufacturing organisation based in Whitstable. This hands-on supervisory role is key to ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the production area - coordinating workloads, maintaining quality standards, and leading a skilled team to meet operational targets.
Working closely with the Production Manager, you'll oversee manufacturing performance, drive continuous improvement, and ensure KPIs such as on-time delivery, quality, and efficiency are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate a team of Operators to meet daily production targets.

Plan workloads and allocate resources to achieve KPI objectives (On-Time Delivery, Quality, Arrears, and Efficiency).

Maintain high standards of health, safety, and housekeeping, ensuring all processes and risk assessments are current.

Manage team performance including attendance, training, and development.

Monitor and report on production metrics, facilitating problem-solving and process improvements.

Conduct team briefs, toolbox talks, and ensure clear communication across the department.

Oversee quality performance, including scrap, rework, and non-conformance management.

Act as deputy for the Production Manager when required.

About You

Essential:

Proven experience in a manufacturing or production environment.

Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and quality systems.

Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.

Confident communicator with strong people management ability.

Knowledge of Health & Safety, including Risk Assessments and COSHH.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with MRP/ERP systems.

Ability to read CAD drawings and conduct first-off inspections.
Desirable:

Experience deputising for a Production Manager.

Familiarity with 5S / Lean Manufacturing principles.

Experience with training matrices, recruitment, and performance management