Production Lead/ Supervisor

A leading food manufacturing business is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive High-Risk Area Production Supervisor to join their team. This key role is responsible for maintaining high operational, hygiene, and food safety standards while driving continuous improvements in production efficiency and quality control. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of food manufacturing compliance requirements and experience leading high-performing teams within a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure all staff follow established quality and hygiene procedures, and that work instructions are clearly communicated and consistently applied.
• Liaise closely with the Technical Manager and Factory Manager to implement and sustain factory standards, process controls, hygiene practices, and housekeeping protocols.
• Maintain compliance with Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Legal Control Points (LCPs), ensuring accurate documentation and immediate reporting of deviations to the Technical Department.
• Monitor daily production schedules to ensure alignment with operational goals.
• Oversee raw material and stock levels to ensure timely and accurate production output.
• Identify and address quality issues to maintain product standards and integrity.
• Report all non-conformances for review and corrective action.
• Provide training and retraining to staff on basic and advanced production methods.
• Ensure accurate traceability and residual control systems are followed.
• Promote and enforce GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and rigorous housekeeping standards.
• Ensure full and accurate completion of all relevant due diligence documentation.

Regulatory Accountability:

The Production Supervisor holds responsibility for ensuring legal and regulatory compliance within their area of supervision, specifically relating to:

• The Food Safety Act 1990
• The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006
• The Health & Safety at Work Act 1999
• The Weights and Measures Act 1963
• Regulation (EC) 852/2004 (Hygiene of Foodstuffs)
• Regulation 834/2007 (Organic production and labeling of organic products)
• All related subordinate legislation

High-Risk Area Task Focus:

• Maintain audit-readiness at all times, with the department prepared for unannounced audits within 15 minutes' notice.
• Ensure 100% compliance in completing weekly due diligence records.
• Manage production areas including de-bagging, fridge, cookers, blast chiller, and roasting room.
• Oversee product weighing and dispatch deadlines, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of processes and uphold GMP requirements daily.
• Lead and direct team workflow, evaluate performance, and monitor team conduct.
• Foster collaboration across departments to meet production targets.
• Continuously drive improvements in hygiene and cleaning that meet internal and external standards.

Development & Learning Responsibilities:

• Acquire and apply knowledge of allergen control, product coding, recipes, and process documentation.
• Gain hands-on understanding of de-bagging operations and equipment feeding processes.
• Learn all department-specific paperwork and reporting requirements.
• Understand traceability protocols, particularly regarding products stored in refrigeration.
• Take ownership of individual learning by actively communicating with peers, managers, and technical staff.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Proven supervisory experience in a food manufacturing or high-risk food processing environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations, and GMP compliance.
• Effective leadership, people management, and cross-functional communication skills.
• High attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience with internal audits, traceability systems, and due diligence documentation is highly desirable.

This opportunity offers a challenging and rewarding career path for individuals committed to excellence in food manufacturing and compliance.