First Line Lean Leader

About the event

• Accreditation: Lean Competency System (LCS) Level 1b and CMI Quality Assured, with an optional CMI Level 3 certificate

• Format: Face-to-face workshops, seven days, one day a week

• Venue: Manufacturers Network Head Office, 1 Adbaston Road, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M32 0TP

• Times: 8:30am – 4:00pm each day

• Price: £1,750 + VAT per delegate

Delivery dates (Thursdays)

• Autumn 2026: 5, 12, 19 and 26 November; 3, 10 and 17 December 2026

• Winter 2027: 21 and 28 January; 4, 11, 18 and 25 February; 4 March 2027

One day a week means supervisors are never away from the shop floor for long, and they apply each day's learning before the next session.

Why first line leaders need this

First line leaders are the backbone of a manufacturing operation. They keep production moving, protect quality and manage the heartbeat of the shop floor. Too often, skilled technical people are promoted into leadership without the training to manage teams, and communication, motivation and problem-solving suffer.

This seven-day, practitioner-led programme turns supervisors and team leaders into confident lean leaders. Participants will:

• Develop lean thinking applied to frontline leadership

• Lead communication and performance conversations with confidence

• Set clear expectations and foster a high-performance culture

• Apply structured problem-solving (A3) to real operational challenges

• Present improvement thinking with credibility

Who the programme is for

• First line managers responsible for daily operations, team performance and results

• Supervisors and team leaders seeking greater influence and impact

• Newly appointed or aspiring leaders who need the right foundation

Why attend

• Purposeful leadership: motivate, engage and empower teams

• Solve problems faster: handle shop floor issues before they escalate

• Adapt to change: manage shifting demands and new technologies

• Retain your best people: good leadership reduces turnover and boosts morale

• Safety and compliance: build accountability with behavioural safety best practice

• Measurable results: align teams with business objectives

• Industry recognition: LCS Level 1b and CMI Quality Assured

What you will learn

Before the programme – Mentor briefing: each delegate's company mentor is briefed on how to support them and their project.

Day 1 – Culture, Values & Strategic Alignment: how daily behaviours shape standards, accountability and results, and how to align your team to business priorities.

Day 2 – Lean Principles & Lean Leadership in Practice: experience lean thinking through simulation and learn to reduce waste, improve flow and lead by example.

Day 3 – The Role of the First Line Lean Leader: clarify your role beyond technical delivery and build accountability.

Day 4 – Communication & Performance Conversations: lead toolbox talks, communicate performance measures clearly and engage your team.

Day 5 – Managing Performance & Building the Right Environment: set clear objectives, handle difficult conversations and build a positive, disciplined culture that supports wellbeing and results.

Day 6 – Structured Problem Solving & Quality Focus: apply A3 thinking to real challenges, address root causes and protect quality.

Day 7 – Demonstrating Improvement Leadership: present your improvement work and build credibility and confidence in leading change.

Format, project and certification

Approach: Workshops, simulations, group work, practical exercises and workplace application

Every delegate completes a workplace improvement project, supported by a briefed company mentor, coaching and feedback from a Manufacturers Network practitioner, a structured A3 report, and a final presentation and evaluation for certification.

Included: all seven workshop days, materials and scheduled activities, mentor briefing, project coaching, evaluation and certification, lunch and refreshments.

Train a whole team on site

We also deliver this programme for cohorts of 8–10, at your site or our Manchester head office, tailored to your needs. Enquire about in-house delivery.

Where next?

Progress to the Continuous Improvement Practitioner Programme (LCS 1a–1c).

By booking you agree to our training booking terms.