Quality Department Team Leader

Quality Department Team Leader Location: Sunderland Rate: £15.85 – £16.60 per hour Shift Pattern: 2 Shift Pattern Contract: Opportunity for permanent employment Our automotive manufacturing client in Sunderland is looking for a driven and capable Quality Department Team Leader to lead the Rework function, ensuring robust quality control, effective team leadership, and disciplined inventory and product status management. Role & Responsibilities * Lead, coach, and develop a team of rework operatives, with full accountability for performance, safety, attendance, and engagement. * Take ownership of rework inventory control, ensuring accurate tracking, containment, and reconciliation of all rework stock. * Manage product status control, ensuring clear identification, segregation, and traceability of all components throughout the rework process. * Ensure rigorous verification of checked product, maintaining compliance with internal standards and customer requirements. * Plan and control the rework schedule via the inventory system, aligning priorities with production needs and minimising disruption. * Work closely with Production Supervisors to identify, prioritise, and resolve quality concerns within your area. * Plan labour, equipment, and material requirements to support production schedules and rework demand. * Deliver structured daily briefings, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement within the team. * Generate and maintain accurate reports on quality performance, rework activity, and key issues. * Lead training and competency assessment of all rework methods, including the safe use of abrasive wheels and associated processes. * Maintain and update training matrices, ensuring all personnel are appropriately trained, assessed, and authorised for tasks. Knowledge & Experience * Proven experience in a similar leadership role, ideally within an automotive or fast-paced manufacturing environment. * Strong understanding of quality control, rework processes, and inventory management systems. * Experience in delivering training and conducting competency assessments within a production environment. * Ability to manage priorities in a high-pressure environment and make sound operational decisions. * Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team. * Flexible approach to working shifts and overtime as required. Apply Now