About The Opportunity
Are you an experienced production leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment where quality, efficiency and people development come together? Driscoll’s Maidstone is looking for a Production Supervisor who ensures our packing lines run smoothly while leading and supporting a motivated team. The working hours for this job are Friday through Tuesday, with Wednesdays and Thursdays off. Since we work 12-hour shifts, the start time will vary between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., to be agreed upon.
Location: UK - Maidstone
Job Family: Operations
Time Type: Full time
Job Requisition ID: R0008946
Experience Years: 3-5 Years of Experience
Employee Type: Regular
Remote Type: Onsite
Responsibilities
In this role, you take ownership of the daily production performance, ensuring safe, efficient and high‑quality operations. You lead by example, support your team, and collaborate closely with other departments to deliver outstanding results.
- Ensure efficient operation of all packing lines according to customer specifications.
- Organise daily production planning, forecasting and workforce allocation.
- Lead the production team with a strong focus on safety, quality and productivity.
- Ensure all Health & Safety and food safety procedures are followed.
- Process and close all production jobs daily, including cost and waste data.
- Work closely with QA, Warehouse, Product Allocation, Engineering and Supply Chain.
- Monitor line equipment functionality and escalatio… (text truncated for brevity)
Candidate Profile
- Extensive experience in a similar role, preferably within the soft fruit or food industry.
- Strong leadership and communication skills across all levels.
- A proactive, solution‑driven mindset with strong problem‑solving abilities.
- Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
- Solid understanding of cost control, planning and production processes.
- Good IT skills, including Word and Excel.
- Ability to delegate effectively and follow up where needed.
- Strong team player able to collaborate across professional and cultural boundaries.
- A working style based on Humility, Trustworthiness and Passion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Supervisor in Maidstone
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Driscoll's, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Driscoll's specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driscoll's
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Driscoll's, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Driscoll's value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
