Job Title: Production Team Leader
Location: Chichester
Department: Manufacturing / Operations
Position Summary
The Production Team Leader is responsible for ensuring that the production team consistently meets customer requirements in terms of Quality, Delivery, and Cost. This role plays a key part in driving continuous improvement initiatives, implementing lean manufacturing principles, and ensuring the smooth operation and performance of flow cells, inventory management systems, and production processes.
The successful candidate will lead by example — motivating, training, and developing the team while ensuring adherence to standard work practices, efficient production flow, and robust communication across all levels.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence & Production Flow
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Ensure adherence to standard work, one-piece flow, and other cellular manufacturing principles.
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Implement and sustain flow cells, including point-of-use part presentation, replenishment signaling, tooling presentation, and SOP updates.
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Support the setup and continuous improvement of pull inventory management systems, including supermarkets, Kanban, reorder point (ROP), and reorder quantity (ROQ) calculations.
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Monitor and maintain real-time documentation, including scrap sheets, first-time pass sheets, and production target boards.
Leadership & Team Development
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Lead, motivate, and support team members, addressing morale issues and promoting a positive work environment.
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Set and communicate team targets related to Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
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Proactively manage individual and team performance, addressing attendance, productivity, and behavior issues as required.
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Coordinate and track cross-training efforts to ensure adequate skills coverage across the team.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
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Chair daily team huddles and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs), targets, and countermeasures.
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Uphold and continuously improve visual management systems, including QDC boards, standard work documents, and training materials.
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Champion and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen, 5S, problem-solving, and engineering changes.
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Act as the first escalation point for Cell Leaders and support them in resolving issues impacting flow or performance.
Systems & Process Management
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Ensure accurate and timely completion of all Sage/MRP transactions (e.g., backflushing, scrap, rework).
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Support the Business Unit Leader in aligning staffing, takt time, and standard work with customer demand.
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Coordinate shift start-up/