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The Role
5S Recruitment is supporting a well-established plastics manufacturer in the appointment of a Lead Setter to take ownership of machine set-ups, tool changes, and on-shift technical leadership.
This is a hands-on, shop-floor leadership role. You’ll be responsible not only for process stability and output, but also for leading and developing a small team of setters, tool slingers, and apprentices, acting as the technical point of contact on shift.
The role suits an experienced setter ready to step up or an existing lead setter who enjoys accountability, structure, and getting the best out of both machines and people.
Key Responsibilities
- Take an active role in daily production meetings, contributing technical input and shift feedback
- Ensure machines are running to target cycle times, quality standards, and output requirements
- Lead and allocate work to setters, tool slingers, and apprentices across the shift
- Monitor team performance and support training and development plans
- Carry out and oversee machine set-ups and tool changes, optimising processes for efficiency
- Ensure production plans are followed, with all changes clearly recorded and justified
- Accurately log downtime, faults, and root causes, escalating issues where required
- Report machine breakdowns and technical issues promptly to the General Production Manager / Planner
- Introduce and reinforce good working practices in line with site standards
- Ensure scrap is removed and handled correctly in line with procedure
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment at all times
- Enforce adherence to health, safety, environmental, and PPE requirements
- Apply fair and firm discipline in line with company disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Complete tasks and instructions set by the General Production Manager
Skills & Experience
- Strong mechanical and engineering knowledge within injection moulding
- 3–5 years’ experience as a setter in the plastics injection moulding industry
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, or supervise a shop-floor team
- Confident handling performance management, discipline, and grievance processes
- Analytical, decisive, and comfortable thinking on your feet
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Clear communicator with good organisational and time-management skills
- Able to work under pressure and deliver against production targets
- Willing to be accountable for both personal performance and team output
Qualifications (Desirable)
- Engineering or Manufacturing-related qualification
- Business Improvement Techniques – Level 3
- S/NVQ Level 2 – Performing Manufacturing Operations
- S/NVQ Level 2 – Performing Engineering Operations
Engineering Apprenticeship including:
- Level 2 S/NVQ (e.g. Materials Processing & Finishing)
- Level 2 Technical Certificate (e.g. Production Engineering / Composites)
Next Steps
This vacancy is being managed confidentially by 5S Recruitment.
