Manufacturing Leader

Job Description: Manufacturing Leader

Reports To: Shift Manager
Department: Synthetics
Additional Reporting Line: Production Manager
Location: Ashton-In-Makerfield
Direct Reports: Production Staff

Purpose of Role

• Manage two production lines, ensuring full accountability for Safety, Quality, and Cost metrics.
• Achieve targeted production output while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Ensure accurate data entry in production paperwork, SFDC, and D365 systems.
• Supervise operational staff on a shift-by-shift basis.
• Complete non-major mechanical and sewing tasks.
• Handle holiday scheduling, absence management, and timekeeping.
• Collaborate with the Shift Manager to manage performance and drive improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities Safety

• Ensure both lines are safe and that all required safety checks and inspections are completed.
• Promote a clean-as-you-go culture and high housekeeping standards.
• Lead safety standard improvements across both lines.
• Train team members to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Safe Systems of Work.
• Escalate unresolved safety issues promptly.

People Management

• Supervise operational staff during shifts.
• Record and manage team absences, late starts, and early leaves. Conduct return-to-work processes where needed.
• Ensure all team training is up to date and working practices are compliant.
• Maintain accurate training records and identify talent for development in consultation with the Shift Manager.

Quality

• Keep both lines audit-ready; deliver weekly audits and close out audit actions.
• Ensure compliance with all quality systems and documentation (e.g., Needles, Sharps, Metal Detectors, Shadow Boards).
• Investigate quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Achieve waste KPIs.

Cost Control

• Manage running speeds, efficiency, and labour recovery on both lines.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of the shift production team.
• Address non-major mechanical/sewing issues; escalate when support is needed.
• Plan labour resources effectively to balance coverage and cost.
• Lead Planned Maintenance initiatives with Engineering to minimise downtime.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety guidelines and correct use of PPE.
• Support the John Cotton Group’s environmental goals.
• Uphold and promote company values, vision, and mission.
• Challenge and report any breaches of expected standards.
• Undertake any additional duties as required by the role and responsibility level.

Person Specification Required Skills & Experience

• Experience in cell operations
• Mechanically minded
• Completion of NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering

Competencies Personal Competencies

• Dynamic: Work with urgency and motivate others.
• Problem Solver: Own challenges and lead improvement.
• Technically Competent: Understand and learn basic machine processes.
• Team Player: Support and uplift peers and the wider team.

Leadership Competencies

• Effective Communicator: Listen, influence, and clearly communicate.
• Commercial Awareness: Consider time and cost implications of decisions.
• Assertiveness: Lead with confidence and explain the rationale behind decisions.

Role-Specific Information

• Shift-Based Role – Flexibility is essential for business continuity.
• Shift Patterns:
• Night Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM