Job Advert
Production Development Lead
Location: Lincoln, UK. The role is site based.
Are you passionate about improving manufacturing performance, solving complex operational challenges and driving continuous improvement?
We are looking for a proactive Production Development Lead to join our manufacturing team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in production, operations, engineering or continuous improvement who enjoys analysing processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver measurable results.
About the Role
As Production Development Lead, you will play a key role in supporting manufacturing operations by improving production processes, enhancing workplace organisation and helping to optimise material flow and operational performance.
Working closely with Production, Engineering, Planning, Quality and Maintenance teams, you will lead and support improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen operational stability. You will also provide practical support to production teams by helping to resolve day-to-day operational issues and implementing sustainable improvements.
This is a varied, hands-on role that combines analytical thinking with practical problem-solving on the manufacturing floor.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
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Support daily production activities, helping to resolve operational issues and improve workflow.
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Lead and support continuous improvement projects to reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance process stability.
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Drive 5S activities, workplace organisation and visual management initiatives.
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Conduct structured root cause investigations using recognised problem-solving techniques.
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Map, review and improve manufacturing processes, including standard operating procedures and workflow documentation.
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Carry out time studies and process analysis to identify opportunities for productivity improvements.
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Analyse production performance data, identifying trends and recommending improvements.
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Support production planning by identifying constraints and helping improve workflow.
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Work with operations and planning teams to reduce work in progress (WIP), aged inventory and excess materials.
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Coordinate material recovery and reuse activities to minimise waste and improve cost efficiency.
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Participate in quality investigations, audits and corrective action activities.
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Promote safe working practices and support Health & Safety initiatives across the production environment.
About You
We're looking for someone who has:
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A degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Supply Chain or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
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Experience within a manufacturing, production, operations or continuous improvement environment.
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Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Confidence working with production data and performance metrics.
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A good understanding of material flow, inventory management and production processes.
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Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across departments.
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A practical, hands-on approach with a willingness to spend time on the shop floor.
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Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, process mapping, time studies or continuous improvement methodologies would be highly advantageous.
Desirable Experience
It would be beneficial if you also have:
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Experience of ERP, MRP or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
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Engineering, technical or scientific knowledge.
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Lean or Continuous Improvement qualifications (such as Six Sigma).
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Basic Health & Safety training (such as IOSH Working Safely).
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Experience of quality improvement tools or materials management.
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will be:
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Naturally curious and motivated to improve processes.
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A collaborative team player who enjoys working across different functions.
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Methodical, organised and detail-focused.
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Calm under pressure and able to make sound decisions.
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Safety-conscious with a commitment to maintaining high standards.
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Passionate about continuous improvement and operational excellence.
If you enjoy solving problems, improving manufacturing performance and making a real impact within a production environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Please note: if you are shortlisted, you will receive an email inviting you to attend an interview. Please be aware that the invitation may appear in your spam or junk folder.
