Production Team Lead

SAVA

  • London
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 day ago
About SavaAll the health information we need is within us. Just below the skin. SAVA is redefining the way people interact with their health by developing the most advanced biosensing technology science has to offer, capable of accessing bodily information in a painless, real-time and affordable way.The RoleWe’re seeking an experienced Production Team Lead to spearhead and grow day-to-day manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence across our production lines. This onsite role is critical to scaling our innovative biosensing technology from low-volume builds to high-volume, high-reliability manufacturing; ensuring every device meets our exacting quality standards.This is a role for a hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, balances tactical execution with strategic improvement, and can inspire their team to deliver exceptional results. You’ll lead and develop our production team; working closely with Process Development, Quality, and Engineering to meet output goals, optimise workflows, and uphold safety and compliance requirements.As Production Team Lead, you will own the full production lifecycle; from resource planning and scheduling to output monitoring and continuous improvement. You’ll be accountable for setting and achieving daily, weekly, and monthly build targets while ensuring quality, safety, and cost objectives are met.Your leadership will be central to maintaining operational discipline, fostering collaboration across teams, and driving the adoption of best-in-class manufacturing practices - ultimately playing a key role in transitioning new products and processes into production, ensuring seamless integration and minimal disruption.What You’ll DoWe’re looking for someone who can position themself at the centre of of problem-solving: this is a unique Production Manager-style role , we’re looking for someone who doesn’t shy away from opportunities to be hands-on, but leans into them. As Sava looks to progress from pilot production and R&D builds to high-volume commercial manufacturing, we are looking for someone who can:
  • Have a deep understanding of the processes and work with SMEs and engineering to solve real production challenges.
  • Lead root-cause analysis and investigations on build issues, providing rapid feedback to SME's and technical stakeholders.
  • Provide deep insights and feedback to Design and Process Development teams on manufacturability, assembly ease, and reliability.
In addition, you will:
  • Develop and manage detailed production schedules to: meet demand forecasts and delivery commitments; allocate resources effectively across shifts, processes, and equipment; and minimise bottlenecks.
  • Track, analyse, and report on key production metrics (output, yield, downtime, waste) and performance gaps, implementing corrective and preventive actions where necessary.
  • Re-examine our practices to champion an efficiency and waste-reduction focused mindset.
  • Manage and mentor the team, creating clear performance expectations, training plans and audits, regular reviews, and career development plans.
  • Uphold a culture of safety, product excellence, accountability, continuous learning.
  • Be comfortable with ambiguity - in a fast-paced scale-up environment, priorities can regularly shift and expand, and you’ll need to lead your team through those movements, adapt your workflows and meet the new demands
  • Can identify where processes need refinement and push for those improvements to be made to develop clarity.
  • Collaborate with Quality to resolve non-conformances, prevent recurrence and exceed internal quality requirements.
  • Partner with other stakeholders within Manufacturing to transition new processes into stable, repeatable production, address product and/or process changes and ensure equipment uptime and preventative maintenance completion.
What We’re Looking For
  • Degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, 3 of which were spent in a managerial position, preferably in a regulated industry (medical devices etc.).
  • Proven ability to meet production targets while maintaining quality and safety standards.
  • Experience with scheduling, capacity planning, and resource management.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing growing teams and multiple shifts.
  • Data-driven approach to performance monitoring and decision-making.
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing, root cause problem solving, and process improvement tools.
Bonus Points For
  • Experience in high-volume or scale-up manufacturing environments, especially medical devices.
  • Proficiency in ERP/MES systems and manufacturing dashboards.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
  • Hands-on experience introducing new products/processes into production.
Why Sava?This is a high-ownership, high-responsibility role in a company that’s building something complex, meaningful, and fast. The expectations are high, the learning curve is steep, and the work is often messy - but the impact is real.We don’t have room for egos or passengers. What we do have is a team of thoughtful, driven, and mission-aligned people who are committed to building something better - and doing it with urgency and integrity.

SAVA