Production Leader - Linishing, Coating, Final Inspection and Packing

The main purpose of this role is to take a proactive stance within operations, focusing on Linishing, Coating, Final inspection and Product Packing. In this role, you will be responsible for driving production efficiency, implementing robust systems, and establishing effective process controls to ensure high-quality output. You will lead initiatives to enhance documentation, streamline workflows, and uphold safety and quality standards, working closely with cross-functional teams to achieve continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to operational excellence in a fast-paced production environment. Key Tasks & Responsibilities Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Complete pre shift safety inspections and ensure all team members complete a PTRA (pre task risk assessment) and pre-equipment use checklist.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and partner with the EH&S Manager and Operations Manager on the completion and continued improvement in risk assessments.
• Ensure all team members follow safety protocols and use PPE as required.
• To raise and encourage team members to raise near misses and incident reports
• Ensure that all team members understand the zero-tolerance approach to any breaches of safety and quality standards and ensure operators are encouraged not to take short cuts
Operational Management
• Oversee all manufacturing activities for Linishing, Coating, Final Inspection and Packing ensuring that production targets and quality standards are met within schedule.
• Monitor workflow and implement improvements to enhance productivity and reduce lost time.
• Prepare and submit a daily production report, summarising key metrics, production achievements, incidents, and any challenges encountered.
• Ensure all documentation is accurately maintained, including equipment logs, quality checks, and incident reports.
• Track shift performance metrics, including production output, quality, and downtime, report weekly performance with recommendations for improvement.
• To ensure all work completed is booked correctly into PRODAT
• Maintain oversight of the production schedule, ensuring all processes stay on track to meet schedule adherence targets.
• Ensure operators are allocated to the correct workstations according to the labour board
• Check that all necessary resources, materials, and equipment are available and operational for the day's work
• Identify and resolve production issues, including equipment malfunctions, material shortages, or process bottlenecks.
• Coordinate with the maintenance team to address machinery breakdowns or technical issues.
• Develop effective working relationships within the wider operations team including Operations Management, Shift Leaders and Vacuum Forming Leadership.
• Maintain clear and proactive communication with Shift Leaders to ensure smooth and continuous operations across the afternoon and night shifts.
Leadership and Team Development
• Lead, motivate, and develop the Linishing, Coating, Final Inspection and Packing team, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a positive work environment.
• Evaluate and reshape the existing team as needed, ensuring each team member aligns with the plant's goals and contributes effectively. Take proactive steps to address performance issues, skill gaps, or structural adjustments and removal of single point of failures in key skills.
• Conduct regular 1-2-1's with team members providing coaching and feedback, promoting accountability, productivity, and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Work with the Quality Manager and Training Lead to identify and address training needs to build skills and reduce any SPOF (single points of failure) within the team.
• To monitor time and attendance, take necessary steps in managing the return-to-work process and any required disciplinary action including and up to final written warning stage.
• Develop and mentor a deputy to provide seamless coverage during holidays and absences, ensuring continuity in operations and supporting shift duties as needed.
Quality Control and Assurance
• Ensure all products manufactured meet established quality standards and address any deviations promptly.
• Work closely with the Quality team to perform quality checks and implement corrective actions to prevent future quality issues
• Encourage a quality-first mindset among all team members and provide guidance on quality standards and procedures.
• Partner with Quality and Process Engineering to create new BOM (bills of material) SOP's (standard operating procedures).
• Report any deviations with PRODAT to the quality team via the quality ticket system.
Employee Engagement and Morale
• Foster an inclusive, positive working environment where team members feel valued and supported.
• Actively engage with team members, encouraging open communication and addressing any issues or concerns promptly
• Organise team briefings or check-ins to communicate goals, updates, and provide a forum for employee feedback
• Take an active role in improving employee engagement with the goal of improving moral and making positive changes to the plant's employee survey score.
Continuous Improvement Initiatives
• Identify and recommend opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste and optimise processes within the Linishing, Coating, Final Inspection and Packing processes.
• Engage team members in improvement efforts, encouraging ideas and input.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects.
• Strive to implement small adjustments daily as part of a continuous improvement approach, or flag larger improvements for further consideration.
  
  ILM Level 3 or equivalent qualification
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent qualification)
• Demonstratable Experience of working within an ISO9001 certified business
• A minimum of 7 years in a supervisory/management role within manufacturing.
• A minimum of 10 years manufacturing experience
• Proven experience in team management and performance improvement, with the ability to motivate, develop, and retain team members in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstratable experience in setting performance expectations, conducting evaluations, and managing performance improvement processes and conduct disciplinary hearings up to written warning stage and managing absence.
• Demonstratable experience of lean manufacturing processes and techniques
• High proficiency in IT, including a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs
• First Aider certification (or be willing to engage in the relevant training)
• Fire Warden certification (or be willing to engage in the relevant training)
• To possess a FLT licence (or be willing to engage in the relevant training), Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• ILM level 5 or equivalent
• Qualified First Aider
• Qualified Fire Warden
• Valid Folk Lift Truck Licence
• NEBOSHH Certificate
  
  Alkegen brings together two of the world's leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we're delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.
With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry's most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we're always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!