Panel Shop Team Leader

Location: Derby DE24
Salary: £38,000–£45,000 DOE
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00–16:00
Contract: Temp to Perm

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced Panel Shop Team Leader to join to our clients production team (Joinery). Reporting to the Workshop Manager, you’ll lead a small team of around four staff within a key manufacturing department responsible for pressing, cutting, lipping and CNC machining of doors and related products.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who is confident in motivating a team, managing workflow, and maintaining high levels of quality and safety. You’ll be expected to gain a strong understanding of our products and processes while supporting continuous improvement within the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support a team within the panel shop to maintain high productivity and morale.
• Manage daily workflow, deadlines, and output to meet production targets.
• Oversee quality control, ensuring all products meet required standards before release.
• Maintain equipment and ensure the workshop remains safe and operational.
• Plan ahead with stock control, procurement, and material rotation.
• Produce and follow manufacturing instruction sheets and basic drawings.
• Ensure all health and safety procedures are followed for yourself and your team.
• Attend production meetings and provide clear updates on departmental progress.

Skills & Experience Required

• 5+ years’ experience in a panel shop/joinery or similar manufacturing environment (required).
• Proven experience leading or supervising a small team (required).
• Strong workflow and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with training and developing staff.
• Solid understanding of quality control processes.
• Ability to plan ahead with stock and materials.
• Confident working with technical drawings and instruction sheets (required).

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary DOE
• Stable Monday–Friday hours
• Opportunity to develop new skills and support continuous improvement
• Temp-to-perm pathway with long-term progression