Manufacturing Line Lead in Alness

Manufacturing Line Lead - Ross-shire

Join a fast-paced, quality-driven food manufacturing environment. This is a role where you'll lead from the front-driving safe, efficient, and high-quality output within a clear SQPDC framework (Safety, Quality, People, Delivery, Cost), while strengthening team capability through coaching and development.

Job Responsibilities

• Support the Manufacturing Manager and deputise when required.
• Line manage Production and Agency Operatives, providing coaching, guidance, and day-to-day support.
• Plan and deliver production schedules in line with order volumes and demand, maximising yield.
• Ensure lines are staffed with trained and competent personnel.
• Complete start-up checks, sign off line readiness, resolve routine issues, and lift where necessary.
• Deliver start-of-shift briefings and maintain clear communication throughout shifts.
• Manage job rotation and rest breaks to maintain efficiency, compliance, and fairness.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement in line with company values.
• Support training and development of team members to build capability and consistency.
• Ensure all health & safety, food safety, and quality standards are met.
• Complete and verify required checks and documentation in a timely manner.
• Report and support investigation of accidents and near misses.
• Ensure correct use and maintenance of PPE and adherence to safe working practices.
• Maintain compliance with company procedures, BRC requirements, and technical standards.
• Monitor and drive line performance against shift KPIs.
• Record downtime, quality issues, and performance data accurately.
• Troubleshoot operational issues with support from relevant teams.
• Ensure all products meet specifications for quality, labelling, and traceability.
• Maintain accurate records for materials, processes, and finished goods.
• Carry out pre-start checks to ensure equipment is clean, safe, and ready for operation.
• Operate and oversee machinery, including metal detection processes.
• Report faults promptly and ensure equipment is maintained in good working order.
• Maintain high hygiene standards across equipment and work areas, including storage areas.
• Follow all safe working procedures and complete required training.
• Ensure adherence to product specifications, SOPs, and food safety controls.
• Maintain traceability and accurate documentation throughout the production process.
• Support KPI reporting and performance tracking.
• Drive continuous improvement and process optimisation to reduce waste and improve flow.
• Minimise risks such as allergen cross-contamination through strict control of processes and segregation.
• Manage raw materials and product flow, ensuring correct batch usage and system updates.
• Ensure availability of packaging, labels, and production materials before and during runs.
• Maintain segregation of raw, in-progress, and finished products.
• Manage waste in line with procedures and required documentation.
• Support development of visual standards for processes and product builds.
• Effectively manage freezing and tempering processes, ensuring controlled movement of product into and out of freezer and defrost operations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in food manufacturing or production environments.
• Experience of OAC2 is beneficial.
• Experience working across multiple production areas (for example Primary, Secondary, and Value Added).
• Strong operational and organisational skills with the ability to plan and prioritise under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail and a proven problem-solving approach.
• Working knowledge of food safety, allergen control, and health & safety practices.
• Ability to maintain traceability and accurate documentation in line with technical and quality standards.
• Experience supporting KPI tracking, downtime recording, and performance improvement activities.
• Competence in pre-start checks, line readiness sign-off, and routine issue resolution.
• Knowledge of metal detection processes and the importance of compliance checks.
• Understanding of freezing, tempering, and controlled product movement through defrost operations.
• Relevant training desirable, such as Food Safety Level 2, HACCP, COSHH, Manual Handling, Allergen Awareness, and Lean principles.
• Knife handling skills (where applicable) and confidence working to safe operating procedures.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to lead briefings and coordinate teams effectively.
• Adaptable, resilient, and reliable - to maintain performance and standards in a fast-paced environment.

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