Programme Start Date: 17th September 2026

Format: Face-to-face workshops

Location: Manchester

Duration: 8 modules delivered across structured workshop days

Price: £2,000 + VAT per delegate

Delivery Dates:

• 17th, 24th September 2026

• 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th October 2026

• 5th, 12th November 2026

  
  

The First Line Leader Programme is a practical, workplace-focused development journey that gives new and experienced frontline leaders the skills, behaviours and confidence to lead teams effectively in a modern manufacturing environment.

Across nine structured modules, the programme builds core leadership capability, from communication and performance management to behavioural safety, Lean, and structured problem solving. Learners benefit from mentoring, hands-on activities and real workplace application, ensuring they return to site able to lead safely, confidently and consistently.

This programme is designed to improve how teams work day-to-day: clearer expectations, better communication, stronger engagement and more stable operational performance.

Who the Programme Is For

• Team leaders, shift leaders and supervisors

• Operators progressing into leadership roles

• Future leaders identified through talent pathways

• Organisations wanting more consistent leadership standards and behaviours

What the Programme Covers

1. Mentor Briefing

Setting expectations and building support around each learner.

• Role of mentors and weekly check-ins

• Supporting behaviour change and development

• Ensuring learning transfers into everyday practice

2. Programme Introduction

Laying the foundations for a successful learning journey.

• Course objectives, expectations and learning roadmap

• Completing a personal development plan

• Establishing the mentor–learner relationship

  
  

3. Leadership Mindset & Culture

Understanding what good leadership looks like on the frontline.

• Leadership vs management

• How behaviours shape culture, effort and performance

• Identifying your own leadership style

  
  

4. Active Leadership & Teamwork

Building connection, visibility and engagement.

• Leading by example and being present

• Team dynamics in manufacturing

• Encouraging ownership, collaboration and accountability

5. Communication & Influence

The core communication skills every leader needs.

• Active listening and questioning

• Presenting information clearly

• Motivating individuals and teams

• Creating trust through consistent communication

6. Performance & Time Management

Managing productivity, prioritisation and difficult situations.

• Setting clear expectations and standards

• Handling conflict and challenging behaviours

• Practical time-management tools for busy leaders

• Balancing priorities and reducing firefighting

7. Behavioural Safety

Leading with safety and setting the right standards on the shopfloor.

• Understanding human behaviours linked to risk

• Creating a safety-first culture

• Challenging unsafe actions and reinforcing safe habits

• Supporting wellbeing and psychological safety

8. Lean Manufacturing

A practical introduction to Lean thinking for frontline leaders.

• Understanding value, waste and flow

• Recognising opportunities to make work easier and more efficient

• Using simple Lean tools in day-to-day leadership

• Supporting a continuous improvement mindset

9. Structured Problem-Solving

Giving leaders the confidence to tackle issues systematically.

• Using structured methods such as PDCA and root-cause tools

• Understanding problems through data and observation

• Involving the team in identifying and testing solutions

• Building practical problem-solving habits

10. Final Presentations

Demonstrating real leadership growth and workplace application.

• Learners present their development journey and outcomes

• Reflection on leadership progress

• Next steps for continued growth

Programme Format

• Nine interactive modules

• Delivered onsite or online

• Practical exercises, scenarios and team activities

• Weekly mentor support and personal development planning

• Final presentation and recognition of completion

What Participants Leave With

• Greater confidence and clarity in their leadership role

• Stronger communication, planning and performance management skills

• Practical tools to lead safely, calmly and consistently

• A clearer understanding of how their work influences culture and performance

• An actionable development plan for continued growth

Benefits to Your Organisation

• More consistent frontline leadership

• Better communication and fewer misunderstandings

• Stronger safety culture and reduced operational risk

• Higher engagement and improved team morale

• Smoother daily operations and fewer reactive issues