UK remote
Production Team Leader
About this role
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. The right candidate for this role be will responsible for the safe, efficient and right-first-time production of microbiological media for the Food and Waters laboratories, including people, materials, equipment, quality and daily production performance. This is a full time role, working 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday from 09:00 till 17:00. Plan daily and weekly production to ensure sufficient media is available for laboratory demand, working closely with laboratory technicians and team leaders.
Set clear daily priorities, allocate work and use shift-start or tier meetings to review safety, quality, delivery and staffing. Monitor stock levels, batch rotation, expiry dates and replenishment to maintain supply while minimising waste. Ensure media is produced safely, consistently and in accordance with standard operating procedures, batch records and quality requirements. Maintain strong standards of workplace organisation, cleanliness and visual control using 5S principles.
Ensure correct PPE is used and COSHH requirements, risk assessments and safe systems of work are followed. Confirm equipment remains within calibration and maintenance limits; escalate breakdowns or risks promptly and support planned preventive maintenance. Review production performance using practical measures such as plan attainment, right-first-time quality, waste, downtime and overdue actions. Ensure production and quality-control records are accurate, complete, traceable and kept up to date.
Investigate non-conforming work using structured root-cause methods and implement corrective and preventive actions. Lead continuous-improvement activity to improve flow, reduce waste, shorten lead times and make best use of people and equipment. Lead and supervise the production team to deliver safe, efficient and consistent shift performance. Manage attendance, holidays and absence in line with company policy and operational requirements.
Manage performance fairly and promptly so that production and quality targets are achieved. Complete probation reviews, appraisals, return-to-work interviews and other required people processes. Support recruitment and deliver an engaging, structured induction for new starters. Maintain skills matrices and training records, ensuring colleagues perform tasks only after documented training and competency assessment. Conduct investigations and disciplinary or grievance meetings where required.