Metalwork Team Leader

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & Supervision 

• Lead, motivate, and support metal work team 

• Allocate daily tasks and ensure the right skills are matched to each job 

• Monitor attendance, timekeeping, and discipline on the shop floor 

• Provide on-the-job coaching, mentoring, and skills development 

• Act as the first point of contact for team issues or concerns 

2. Production Planning & Execution 

• Follow the production schedule and ensure targets are met (output, quality, deadlines) 

• Prioritise jobs based on urgency, capacity, and material availability 

• Coordinate shift handovers to maintain production continuity 

• Identify and escalate risks to delivery (machine downtime, labour shortages, material delays) 

• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency 

3. Health, Safety & Compliance 

• Enforce strict adherence to health & safety procedures and PPE requirements 

• Conduct toolbox talks and support risk assessments and method statements 

• Ensure safe use of machinery, tools, welding equipment, and lifting gear 

• Report, investigate, and help prevent accidents, near-misses, and unsafe practices 

• Maintain compliance with company, legal, and industry safety standards 

4. Quality Control & Standards 

• Ensure work is completed to drawings, specifications, and tolerances 

• Carry out first-off checks and in-process quality inspections 

• Identify defects, rework issues, or recurring quality problems 

• Work with quality teams to implement corrective actions 

• Promote “right first time” manufacturing culture 

5. Equipment, Materials & Workspace Management 

• Ensure machines and tools are correctly set up and maintained 

• Report faults or maintenance needs promptly 

• Monitor material usage and reduce waste or scrap 

• Ensure work areas remain clean, organised, and compliant with 5S standards 

• Support audits of tooling, jigs, fixtures, and consumables 

6. Communication & Coordination 

• Liaise with production planners, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams 

• Communicate daily targets, priorities, and changes to the team 

• Provide clear shift reports and production updates to management 

• Support introduction of new products, drawings, or processes 

7. Performance Monitoring & Reporting 

• Track production output, downtime, scrap, and efficiency 

• Identify trends or bottlenecks affecting performance 

• Support KPIs such as OEE, on-time delivery, and quality metrics 

• Contribute to daily/weekly production meetings 

8. Continuous Improvement 

• Encourage team suggestions for process improvements 

• Support lean manufacturing, waste reduction, and standardised work 

• Assist with training on new processes, equipment, and best practices 

• Lead by example in productivity, safety, and quality mindset 

Attributes

Relevant Experience

• Experience of working in a busy manufacturing setting or a similar environment and have managed a team

Education and Training

• GCSES in Maths and English
• First Aid trained (desirable)

Skills, abilities and specialist knowledge

• Strong organisation and planning skills
• Effectively be able to carry out key processes like: CNC Punch press, CNC press brake, welding, folding & powder coating
• Understand engineering drawings, documentation and material handling
• Have strong communication (written &verbal) and problem-solving skills
• Reliable and able to demonstrate a flexible approach

Working hours: Currently 2 shift rotation, including an early shift and back shift. Mon-Fri 6am-2pm day shift and Mon-Thurs 2pm-12 midnight back shift.

15% shift allowance.