At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a production line, coach your team, and ensure high-quality output.
- Company: Finlay Beverages, the UK's top supplier of tea and coffee with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn £16.07/hour, enjoy generous holidays, and access career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly culture that values growth, learning, and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Step into leadership and make a real impact in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading or coaching others; manufacturing experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join Finlay Beverages – Brewing A Better Future. Finlay Beverages is the UK’s leading B2B supplier of tea, coffee and botanical ingredients to many of the world’s best-loved retailers and foodservice operators. We exist to empower our customers to create a world where every sip brings joy — something we’re uniquely placed to deliver through our global scale, trusted partnerships and over 125 years of expertise. With a heritage dating back to 1896, we continue to evolve — placing sustainability, quality and people at the heart of everything we do.
At Finlay, it’s our people who make this happen — and we’re on a journey to build high-performing teams with strong leadership at every level.
What You’ll Get in Return
- £16.07 per hour
- Generous pension scheme (up to 12% employer contribution)
- 20 days holiday + 7 bank holidays
- 8x life insurance
- Staff shop
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Structured induction and tailored training from day one
- Career development and progression opportunities
- A supportive, team-first culture
The Role
As a Line Leader, you’ll play a key role in leading your team to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality production. You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of your line — but just as importantly, you’ll coach, support and develop the people around you. This is an opportunity to step into (or build on) leadership — with support, structure and real development. Whether you come from manufacturing or not, if you’ve led people, inspired others and are keen to learn — we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operation of your production line
- Coach, mentor and support team members to perform at their best
- Promote a strong culture of safety, quality and accountability
- Carry out line checks, audits and basic reporting
- Attend and contribute to Tier 1 meetings
- Support product changeovers and ensure smooth transitions
- Identify opportunities for improvement and drive standards
Shifts & Hours
Week 1: Monday – Thursday, 5:00am – 3:00pm
Week 2: Monday – Thursday, 2:00pm – 12:00am
Pattern: Weekly rotating shifts
Training & Development
From day one, you’ll be supported to succeed. Your first few months will include:
- A tailored 4-day induction programme
- Time to learn the business, meet teams and build confidence
- Structured, hands-on training in your role
- Ongoing development focused on leadership, coaching and continuous improvement
We’re building a culture of developing our people, and this role is a key part of that journey.
What We’re Looking For
We’re less focused on where you’ve been and more interested in what you can bring.
- Experience leading, coaching or supporting others (any environment)
- A genuine interest in leadership and people development
- The ability to motivate, inspire and bring a team together
- A proactive mindset and willingness to learn
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement
- Manufacturing experience is helpful — but not essential
- We will consider candidates from other sectors with strong leadership potential
Working at Finlays
We’re a hands-on, down-to-earth business where:
- People are welcoming, supportive and approachable
- Training is structured and designed to help you succeed
- You’re encouraged to learn, grow and develop
New starters often tell us:
- “Everyone’s friendly and helpful”
- “The training is clear and supportive”
- “You’re made to feel welcome straight away”
Inclusion Matters
We welcome applications from everyone. We want people to feel comfortable being themselves at work and are happy to make adjustments to support you through the recruitment or onboarding process.
Apply Today
If you’re looking for a supportive workplace where you can learn, grow and feel part of a team — we’d love to hear from you.
Line Leader in Pontefract employer: Finlays
At Finlay Beverages, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued. With a strong focus on employee development, our structured training programmes and career progression opportunities empower you to grow in your role as a Line Leader. Located in the heart of the UK’s beverage industry, we provide a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every day brings new challenges and rewards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Line Leader in Pontefract
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out Finlay Beverages' social media and website to see what they're all about. This will help you connect with their values and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of times when you've inspired or coached others, even if it wasn't in a manufacturing setting. Being able to share these experiences will highlight your potential as a Line Leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions for your interview that show your interest in team development and safety culture. Asking about their training programmes or how they promote accountability can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the Finlay family right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Line Leader in Pontefract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with the Line Leader role. We want to see how you can inspire and support a team, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Show Your Passion for People Development:In your application, let us know why you’re interested in coaching and mentoring others. Share any experiences where you’ve helped someone grow or improve, as this is key to what we’re looking for at Finlay Beverages.
Highlight Safety and Quality Commitment:Since safety and quality are at the heart of our operations, make sure to mention any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these values. We love seeing candidates who prioritise these aspects in their work!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finlays
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Finlay Beverages. Understand their values, mission, and what makes them a leader in the tea and coffee industry. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Line Leader, your ability to inspire and motivate a team is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. Highlight your coaching style and how you support others to perform at their best.
✨Emphasise Safety and Quality
Given the importance of safety and quality in production, be ready to discuss how you prioritise these aspects in your work. Share any relevant experiences where you implemented safety measures or quality checks, demonstrating your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team culture, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows that you're engaged and serious about contributing to the team’s success.
