Manufacturing Supervisor

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Supervisor at Tricel Weston, based in Weston-super-Mare, plays a critical role in overseeing the manufacturing process. Reporting directly to the manufacturing manager, this position involves leading a team of production staff to ensure efficient product manufacturing while complying with health and safety, quality standards, production schedules, and budget limitations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage assigned departments, overseeing staff, production targets, and quality goals to guarantee smooth manufacturing operations.
• Lead line management duties including workforce planning, conducting return-to-work discussions, managing leave, enhancing team morale, performing performance appraisals, recruitment interviews, investigating incidents, maintaining documentation of meetings, and disciplinary actions, collaborating with HR on employee relations when needed.
• Ensure a safe work environment by enforcing Health and Safety protocols, proper personal protective equipment usage, chemical handling, and maintaining high housekeeping standards.
• Record and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), drive team accountability through performance improvement team (PIT) meetings, and present data in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) reviews.
• Maintain adherence to Quality Systems by managing team processes to meet defined product specifications and standards.
• Coordinate production line start-ups, shutdowns, and transitions, including responsibility for securing premises as appropriate.
• Oversee equipment and tooling maintenance, promptly reporting any faults.
• Participate in drafting and updating Work Instructions, coordinating with relevant personnel, ensuring proper documentation release and training completion.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on projects and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing projects, spearheading departmental 6S improvements monthly to support company growth goals.
• Ensure staff training meets current and future operational demands.
• Engage with business systems such as IFS as needed.
• Serve as a trained First Aider and Fire Marshal, completing necessary certifications.
• Act as a secondary contact for emergency call-outs outside regular hours.
• Perform any additional tasks assigned by management to support business needs.

Required Experience and Skills

• Strong leadership capabilities with a proven track record of ownership and delivering outcomes.
• Skilled in managing and motivating teams effectively.
• Experienced in conflict management to achieve positive resolutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing principles and tools.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong numerical skills to collect, interpret, and analyze process data.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting expertise.
• Previous experience supervising manufacturing or production teams.
• Successful history of driving change within continuous improvement environments.

Additional Information - Benefits and Work Environment

• Work hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Annual leave: 23 days plus bank holidays.
• Employer pension contribution of 5%.
• Annual Christmas shutdown period.
• Strong opportunities for development and career growth.
• Supportive, collaborative, and team-oriented culture with a dynamic workplace atmosphere.
• Emphasis on work-life balance.
• Chance to experience cross-cultural and international collaborations.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering wellbeing support.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives including Mental Health First Aiders on site.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Company events and quarterly Employee Recognition Awards.

About Tricel Weston

Tricel Weston is a reputable manufacturer with over six decades of expertise in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) products, specializing in water storage tanks, housing, and biofilters. Acquired by Tricel in 1999, the company supplies a broad range of industry-leading products both in the UK and internationally, known for sectional and one-piece tanks with capacities ranging from 30 to 1,500,000 litres. The company also offers comprehensive project management and client training for tank installation. Tricel Weston is a major exporter of GRP water storage tanks to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and is committed to diversity and creating an inclusive work environment.