Team Leader – Production / Despatch / Sampling
Northampton
We’re looking for a proactive, people-focused Team Leader to support the safe, efficient and high‑quality operation of our Production (including Despatch) or Sampling teams. This is a hands‑on leadership role with full responsibility for safety, team performance, communication, development, lead-time, service and quality.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & People
Ensure safe working practices are consistently followed (PPE, manual handling, COSHH, COMAH/DSEAR, FLT use, incident reporting, first aid cover).
Maintain process discipline through training, coaching and performance conversations.
Support attendance management through return-to-work discussions and HR processes.
Deliver clear, fair and consistent communication with all team members, including daily progress updates and use of visual performance indicators.
Conduct regular development discussions and deliver constructive feedback.
Act as the senior representative on site whenever a manager is not present, escalating issues promptly and appropriately.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
Complete NCR investigations within 24 hours and ensure corrective actions are closed out within 5 days.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, performance and safety.
Contribute to audits and operational improvement activities across the wider operations team.
Production & Despatch Responsibilities
Allocate team resources dynamically based on order priorities and freight requirements.
Maintain strong cross-training within the team to prevent capability gaps.
Review and update daily production reporting by 10am, with follow-up updates as needed.
Work closely with QSHE, QC, Planning, Shipping and Purchasing to minimise delays and manage unexpected issues.
Ensure stock accuracy remains above 99%, reporting any shortages or write‑downs promptly.
Sampling Responsibilities
Allocate daily tasks in line with BMS priorities and operational needs.
Ensure the whole team can work autonomously across different processes (where possible).
Lead continuous improvement focused on reducing unnecessary movement and handling.
Maintain strict compliance with process safety (e.g., compound heating).
Communicate consistently with internal stakeholders through email.
Escalate issues affecting customers (e.g., new RM/GY) and ensure all shipments leave on time.
Work closely with planning and stock management to reduce waste and lead-times.
Teamwork & Reporting
Support wider Operations tasks, including audits and cross-team activities.
Maintain transparency in workload and performance to drive improvement.
Comply with all company policies and procedures.
Ensure all required reports are completed accurately and on time.
Skills & Attributes
Full UK driving licence.
FLT licence (desirable for Production/Despatch).
Strong decision-maker with the ability to use data and people insights.
Calm, respectful and professional under pressure.
Excellent communicator who listens and leads by example.
Confident using MS Office, D365/MRP and other digital systems.
Consistent in meeting deadlines and achieving objectives.
Positive, collaborative and aligned with company values.
INDKTT
