At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate production teams to deliver high-quality meals efficiently.
- Company: Join Willa Foods, a fast-growing food business with exciting opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, staff meals, and career progression.
- Other info: Immediate start available; we're hiring fast!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment and shape the future of food production.
- Qualifications: Experience in food production and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 41000 £ per year.
Location: Herne Hill, London SE24
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Hours: Full Time
Shifts: AM and PM shifts available
Start Date: Immediate
We're Hiring Fast. We Need Someone Who Can Make an Impact From Day One.
Willa Foods is entering one of the most exciting and demanding periods in our history. We produce fresh meals for our own consumer brand and manufacture products for other food businesses across the UK. We are about to launch a major new high volume contract and need an exceptional Production Team Leader to help us scale quickly.
This is not a role for someone who wants to sit back and wait for instructions. We need a hands-on leader who can step into a busy production environment, bring energy, solve problems and help us build the systems, processes and team structure needed for our next phase of growth.
The honest truth is that we're growing fast. Not everything is perfect. Some of the structure is still being built. We're looking for the kind of person who gets excited by that challenge and wants to help create something rather than simply inherit it.
If you've worked in food production, enjoy leading people and can thrive in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading and motivating production teams across daily operations
- Delivering production plans safely, efficiently and on schedule
- Managing labour and ensuring production targets are achieved
- Training, coaching and developing team members
- Driving food safety, quality and hygiene standards
- Identifying bottlenecks and implementing improvements
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding and team development
- Ensuring smooth communication between AM and PM shifts
- Taking ownership and solving problems before they become issues
- Supporting senior management as we scale the operation
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience in food manufacturing, food production or ready meal manufacturing
- Experience leading teams in a production environment
- Strong understanding of food safety and quality systems
- Positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Self-starter mentality
- Ability to think on your feet and make decisions
- Excellent communication and people management skills
- Someone who wants responsibility and isn't afraid of a challenge
Why Join Willa Foods?
This is a genuine opportunity to join a growing food business at a critical stage. The people who join us now will help shape the future of the operation. You'll have the chance to influence systems, build teams, develop processes and progress as the company grows. We're not looking for someone to simply fill a position. We're looking for someone who wants to build something with us.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Company pension
- Staff meals
- Career progression opportunities
- Growing an ambitious business
- Real opportunity to make an impact
Immediate Start Available. We are actively interviewing and looking to hire quickly due to upcoming contract launches. If you're an experienced food production leader who can hit the ground running and wants to be part of an ambitious growth story, apply now.
Production Team Leader in London employer: Chefly
Willa Foods is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in Herne Hill, London, where you can truly make an impact from day one. With a focus on growth and innovation, we provide our employees with opportunities for career progression, competitive salaries, and the chance to shape the future of our operations. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values hands-on leadership and fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Team Leader in London
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Chefly.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Chefly!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Chefly, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Chefly, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Team Leader in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Chefly, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Chefly.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Chefly. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Chefly. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chefly
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Chefly’s mission.
