Leading hand

Leading Hand – Role Description

The Leading Hand is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day flow of jobs through the warehouse and yard, ensuring high standards of safety, housekeeping, transport readiness, and production quality. This role is crucial to setting the business up for daily success through proactive leadership, discipline, and clear communication.

1. Core Responsibilities

The Leading Hand is expected to:

• Maintain smooth job flow between all operational areas – from coil handling to production, assembly, and transport.

• Lead by example in safety, teamwork, and professionalism.

• Ensure the warehouse and yard are organized, clean, and compliant.

• Communicate effectively with the Production Operations Manager and other Managers to identify and resolve bottlenecks.

• Monitor progress and quality to ensure targets and KPIs are consistently achieved.

2. Job Flow & Efficiency

• Coordinate jobs to ensure continuous workflow across machines, assembly tables, and loading areas.

• Prioritise production tasks to meet scheduled delivery dates.

• Pre-stage material and coil to reduce downtime between job changes.

• Monitor production performance and assist operators to maintain pace without compromising quality.

• Identify process improvements that enhance speed and reduce waste.

3. Warehouse & Yard Housekeeping / Space Utilisation

• Ensure all work areas are kept tidy, clear of obstructions, and safe for movement.

• Lead daily housekeeping checks to maintain high standards are kept.

• Use available yard and warehouse space efficiently – stack materials correctly, mark Jobs, and manage overflow.

• Report any damage, waste, or misuse of space immediately to management.

• Ensure waste materials are disposed of in correct bins and scrap is separated.

4. Safety & PPE Compliance

• Ensure all team members are wearing the correct PPE at all times (gloves, glasses, hearing protection, steel-capped boots, high visibility clothing, etc.).

• Lead by example – always follow correct safety protocols.

• Stop unsafe work immediately and correct behaviour through training or escalation.

• Conduct daily safety checks of forklifts, lifting gear, and machines before use.

• Participate in Toolbox Talks and report near misses or hazards promptly.

5. Transport & Loading

• Ensure all trucks are loaded correctly, safely, and in line with delivery documentation (picking slips, fix and fits).

• Verify that all packs, gluts, and strapping meet required transport standards.

• Check that each load includes all materials, paperwork, and correct labelling before dispatch.

• Work closely with the Operations production manager to confirm load order and timing.

• Ensure forklift operators use safe speeds and proper loading practices.

6. Machines & Production Quality

• Ensure machines are running efficiently and that operators follow prestart and calibration procedures.

• Maintain consistent quality standards by inspecting output regularly.

• Support operators to achieve daily and weekly KPIs.

• Escalate any machine faults or downtime immediately.

• Promote continuous improvement and high quality workmanship.

7. Leadership & Communication

• Set the tone for professionalism and pride in work.

• Support team members with guidance, training, and feedback.

• Communicate clearly with managers and peers regarding job priorities, issues, or delays.

• Participate in daily Toolbox meetings and ensure team members are clear on the plan.

• Foster a culture of accountability and teamwork.

8. Daily Success Checklist

At the start and end of each day, the Leading Hand should ensure:

All machines are running and prestarts completed.

All operators have correct PPE and understand their tasks.

The warehouse and yard are organised and clear.

Trucks are loaded safely and dispatched with correct paperwork.

Production targets and quality standards are being met.

Communication with Managers is consistent and transparent.

Any issues or hazards are reported immediately.

9. Performance & Accountability

Performance will be measured based on:

• Safety compliance and incident reduction.

• Housekeeping and space management scores.

• Job flow efficiency and on-time delivery.

• Quality output and rework reduction.

• Leadership behaviour and team morale.

---