About the Company

Niftylift Limited is a private UK company founded in 1985 and is now one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of mobile elevated work platforms. Over 75% of our products are exported through a global sales and dealer network spanning 40+ countries. The business employs over 450 people across three UK centres of excellence manufacturing sites.

Role Overview

We are currently recruiting a Team Leader (Quality Assurance) to join our growing, friendly team at Niftylift! The role is based at our state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in Milton Keynes.

The Team Leader will be responsible for the hands‑on supervision of Quality Control requirements. They will provide leadership and support to an established group of Quality Technicians and drive targets to meet output KPI’s. The role will also require the measurement, control, and audit of supply adherence to design specifications, and production build adherence to work instructions.

Working Hours

• 08:00 – 16:30, Monday – Friday
• Overtime in line with business requirements (between 06:00 – 08:00 on weekdays, or weekends)

Key Responsibilities

• Efficient organisation and control of staff.
• Regular and structured communication with the line support and quality control team.
• Audit and support time management and performance of the team.
• Compliance with health and safety standards (risk assessments, COSHH assessments, manual handling assessments).
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping and organisation (5s).
• Provide support and guidance in determining root cause of defects and preventative improvement tasks (utilisation of practical problem‑solving / 8D methods).
• Development and adherence of Quality Control Procedures and Quality Control Plans.
• Maintain full understanding and compliance of ISO 9001 / ISO14001/ ISO 45001 standards.
• People / culture development and training in alignment with new practices being introduced. Encourage and facilitate improvements promoted by the employee teams.
• Update and maintain Quality information to support the reporting of accurate KPI’s.
• Provide support to assigned Production areas to control in‑process quality, identify and report non‑conforming product, and assist in the rework process.
• Promotion of a culture of ‘No Fault Forward’. Support representatives from appropriate departments to ensure machine build quality is maintained.
• Prepare and co‑ordinate supplier rework.
• Attend and report in the relevant stakeholder meetings. Responsible for providing secure containment and preventative actions to external and internal quality‑related concerns.
• Support Supplier Development activities and allow the supply base to achieve the expected quality of supply and improve their performance.
• Provide measurement data to support the accurate validation of process capability.

Previous Experience

• Proven experience managing and guiding a team.
• Able to structure and measure achievable team targets, and provide coaching, training, and support.
• Experience in manufacturing practices; electrical systems, hydraulic systems, welding, CNC machining, fitting, assembly and finishing processes.
• Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Competent in the use of a range of associated inspection equipment.
• Computer literate (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015)
• Working knowledge of PPAP/APQP tools and methods.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive can’t attitude to problem solving, developing systems, and improving business performance.
• Ability to promote a team working culture and the effectiveness of teams.
• Demonstrate Leadership qualities to drive improvements within a team.
• Proven Problem‑Solving experience (5why and 8D methods)

Personal Characteristics

• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, including a good level of presentation skills (verbal & written).
• A professional direct and indirect approach with all members of the company. Credibility at all levels within the operations business.
• Excellent people management skills, including the ability to act as a coach to the team and provide encouragement and support.
• Decision‑making based on overall business requirements and best practices. Able to work to tight timescales and under pressure, whilst maintaining a calm, prioritised and structured approach to all tasks.

Salary & Earnings

• Guaranteed hourly starting rate: £16.14 per hour
• Overtime Premiums: Level A – £24.21 per hour (x1.5), Level B – £32.28 per hour (x2.0)
• Bonus: Weekly bonus guaranteed at a minimum of £50 per week when all qualifying criteria are met, annual bonus (for indication only) based on recent average £500 per annum

Benefits

• 25 days holiday (rising with service to 30 days) plus bank holidays
• 5% contributory pension scheme
• Life insurance scheme
• Health cover scheme
• Staff discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee referral scheme
• Discounted gym memberships
• Free on‑site parking
• Subsidised refreshments (lunch and drink options)
• Free quarterly company lunches
• Free family events
• On‑site changing rooms and showers