Production Team Leader
Unleash your potential. Change the game with Gripple.
We’re on the hunt for an experienced production team leader with a proven track record of leading manufacturing teams through sustained operational change. This is a demanding front-line leadership role requiring strong communication and people-management capability, confident performance management and the ability to analyse operational problems, remove barriers and introduce improved ways of working.
Over the next 6 to 12 months, you’ll help lead the operation through continued organisational, process and digital change. You’ll be expected to stabilise performance, strengthen operational discipline, improve team capability and establish sustainable ways of working. This role requires someone who can balance visible shop-floor leadership with the ability to step back, analyse wider operational issues, challenge established thinking and lead structured improvement.
Why Gripple?
We’re not just innovators—we’re game-changers. Since 1989, Gripple has led the charge in wire joining and suspension systems. As a 100% employee-owned business, we don’t just hire talent—we invest in it. You’ll be backed by a global infrastructure, a powerhouse support team, and a culture that champions ownership, passion, and performance.
What’s in it for you:
- Share ownership: Buy a stake in Gripple and the GLIDE group and share in our success
- 15% non-contributory pension
- 32 days’ holiday, increasing with long service
- Private healthcare, family-focused policies, and exceptional benefits that support your wellbeing at every stage
The role:
As a team leader, you’ll be on the shop floor leading by example, solving problems in real time, and keeping production running smoothly. Reporting to a senior team leader, you’ll lead a team of operators, ensuring that safety, quality, and efficiency are never compromised. You’ll be responsible for hitting key performance targets like 85% OEE and 99% on-time delivery, while managing labour, workflow, and stock levels across the team.
Communication is key, as you’ll be the link between your team, internal departments, and the wider supply chain.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading, coaching and developing a team to achieve safety, quality, delivery and productivity targets
- Creating a high-performance culture through clear expectations, accountability and regular feedback
- Coordinating daily production activities to ensure plans are delivered efficiently and safely
- Identifying and resolving operational issues that impact team performance, output and customer service
- Using data and operational metrics to monitor performance and drive improvements
- Supporting the implementation of new processes, systems and ways of working across the operation
- Working closely with fellow team leaders, managers and support functions to remove barriers and improve performance
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives that improve productivity, quality, safety and team effectiveness
Who you are:
To be considered for an interview, you must be:
- an experienced people leader with a track record of leading teams through change and improving performance, able to demonstrate our 5E leadership behaviours (Edge, Engage, Energy, Energise, Execute)
- confident in engaging the team, setting clear expectations and managing performance
- a strong problem solver who can identify root causes and remove barriers to success
- data-driven, using information to make informed decisions
- an effective coach and mentor who develops capability within teams
- comfortable challenging the status quo and introducing new ways of working
- resilient, adaptable and able to maintain focus in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- a skilled communicator who builds trust, engagement and collaboration across functions
Knowledge and/or practical experience of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations would be a distinct advantage.
Working hours
The position will entail working regular mornings and afternoons on a two-week shift pattern, Mon-Thurs 6.00am-2.00pm or 2.00pm-10.00pm and Fri 6.00am-1.00pm or 1.00pm-8.00pm.
Night shift, day shift, and weekend work may also be required to meet the demands of the business, and you may also be required to help in other areas on site. A flexible, ‘can do’ attitude is therefore paramount.
The Gripple Spirit
Our values – fun, integrity, passion, entrepreneurship, teamwork, innovation – aren’t just words on a wall. They shape everything we do. Join us, and you’ll experience:
- true work-life balance
- an inclusive and caring workplace where your ideas matter, and your impact is felt globally
Take a closer look:
- Learn more about who we are and how we’re changing the game: https://www.gripple.com/about-gripple
- Take a tour of our head office at the historic Old West Gun Works in Sheffield, South Yorkshire here
Closing date 14th August 2026. Bring your ambition. We’ll bring the opportunity.
Join a team where everyone belongs
We're committed to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from individuals who may have faced barriers to employment, education or training and are looking to build their future.
We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued with a sense of belonging. If there are any adjustments that would help your experience with Gripple, please let us know when you apply.
Whilst not mandatory, your completion of the applicant ethic monitoring form will help us monitor and encourage equality and diversity. The information you provide will be anonymous and kept both confidential and separate to your application.
Before you apply
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload a copy of your CV with a covering letter. We don’t accept postal applications. We will only use the information you provide to process your application. This online application service is provided for Gripple Limited by People Apps Limited using its People® software. For more about how we use your information, see our Recruitment Privacy Notice.