High Care Production Team Leader

This is a hands-on junior management role focused on supporting the senior management team in the smooth running of daily production operations. The role involves leading a designated area of responsibility, ensuring operational efficiency is maximised, key performance indicators (KPIs) are achieved, and high standards of technical performance, quality, and health & safety are maintained and continuously improved through effective management of people, processes, and systems. Key Activities & Responsibilities:

• Deliver production plans efficiently across the assigned area, maximising yield while minimising downtime and waste.
• Monitor and manage staffing levels in line with daily throughput, ensuring KPI targets are consistently met. Adhere to production recipes, systems, and procedures to maintain product quality, food safety, and legal compliance.
• Collaborate with the Production Manager to investigate yield variances and implement effective solutions while maintaining quality and cost targets.
• Ensure all equipment checks are completed and that equipment is used safely and maintained correctly.
• Lead daily, weekly, and monthly stock takes, ensuring accurate stock control and proper rotation in your area of responsibility.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, following a "clean as you go" policy at all times.
• Support and close out non-conformances identified during GMP, fabrication, hygiene, and internal audits in a timely manner.
• Ensure all production and technical documentation is completed accurately; investigate and resolve any non-conformances.
• Assist in investigating customer complaints and support resolution both internally and externally.
• Manage team performance, including conducting reviews and handling disciplinary processes where required.
• Conduct regular team meetings and briefings to ensure clear communication and alignment.
• Support management in identifying, developing, and implementing departmental projects and initiatives.
• Participate in production trials, including data collection and analysis.
• Train new and existing staff on products and procedures, monitoring ongoing compliance.
• Support the smooth running of audits and site visits.
• Keep line managers informed of any opportunities or risks that may impact the business through both formal and informal communication.
• Provide ongoing departmental intelligence, data, and insights to support informed decision-making across the business.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation and standards (including Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, BRC, SALSA), reporting any breaches promptly.
• Maintain and contribute to a strong working knowledge of company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  
  Proven management experience within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, ideally within a High Care/High Risk setting.
• Strong ability to plan, prioritise, and coordinate production activities effectively under pressure.
• Highly numerate with a solid command of written and spoken English.
• Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
• Sound knowledge of people management practices, including investigations, disciplinary procedures, performance management, and recruitment and selection.
• IT literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.