At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Lees, a renowned Scottish food manufacturer with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced leave, pension schemes, retail discounts, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a growing organisation committed to teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and food safety while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing, quality assurance, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 44567 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a
Manufacturing Shift Lead – Quality to join our Operations team at Lees.
Lees has been creating much-loved confectionery and bakery products for generations.
As one of Scotland's best-known food manufacturers, we're proud of our heritage while continually investing in our people, processes and products.
Quality sits at the heart of everything we do, and we're looking for a passionate leader to help us maintain the highest standards of food safety, product quality and manufacturing excellence.
Working as part of our Operations team, you'll be the quality lead for your shift, partnering closely with Technical, Production, Engineering and Supply Chain to ensure our products consistently meet customer expectations, legislative requirements and industry-leading standards.
What you’ll actually do!
As Manufacturing Shift Lead – Quality, you'll take ownership of all quality and food safety activities during your shift, acting as the first point of contact for quality-related matters across the factory.
You'll manage quality incidents including product holds, concessions, non-conformances and near misses, ensuring robust root cause analysis and effective corrective actions are implemented.
You’ll develop a detailed understanding of manufacturing processes, identifying opportunities to improve product quality, reduce process variation and drive operational performance.
Working closely with Production teams, you'll champion continuous improvement initiatives and support the delivery of right‑first‑time manufacturing.
You’ll conduct regular internal audits covering GMP, hygiene, CCPs, allergen management, foreign body controls, documentation and quality systems, ensuring corrective actions are completed and standards remain audit‑ready at all times.
You’ll coordinate product trials, process validations and new product launches while maintaining food safety and quality standards throughout production.
You'll also manage equipment calibration, routine verification activities and quality inspections across the site.
Day‑to‑day, you'll carry out routine quality testing including p H, allergen verification, weight control, calibration and product assessments, ensuring labels, packaging and specifications are compliant before products leave site.
You’ll investigate customer complaints and quality trends, working collaboratively with operational teams to identify root causes and implement preventative actions.
You'll also support customer, BRCGS and third‑party audits, confidently presenting quality systems, traceability exercises and manufacturing standards.
Success in the role will be measured through quality performance, audit compliance, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement delivery, food safety standards and your ability to build a strong culture of quality across the manufacturing operation.
Ideally this is you!
- Previous experience within a fast‑paced food manufacturing or FMCG environment
- Strong background in quality assurance, food safety and GMP‑controlled manufacturing
- Experience leading or contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
- Strong problem‑solving skills with experience using structured root cause analysis techniques
- Good understanding of LEAN Manufacturing principles
- Ability to lead, coach and motivate teams to achieve quality and operational KPIs
- Excellent understanding of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements
- Knowledge of BRCGS standards and customer Codes of Practice
- Strong awareness of allergen management and foreign body controls
- Experience using manufacturing and quality management systems
- Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills
- A proactive, collaborative approach with a passion for continuous improvement
- High levels of integrity, accountability and resilience within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
At Lees, our people are the key ingredient to our success.
We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone can develop, grow and make a genuine difference.
As we continue to invest in our manufacturing operations, we're looking for talented people who share our passion for quality, teamwork and continuous improvement.
If you're looking to join a business with a proud heritage and an exciting future, we'd love to hear from you.
What’s in it for you?
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
- Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees
- Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families)
• Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
- Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependent)
- Employee Recognition Awards Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in‑house development course!)
- An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation. Head over to our Linked In page to find out more!
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Manufacturing Shift Lead Quality in Coatbridge employer: Finsbury Food
Nicholas & Harris Ltd, part of Finsbury Food Group, is an exceptional employer located in Salisbury, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within a close-knit bakery environment. With over 180 years of heritage in craft baking, employees benefit from extensive learning and development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a range of perks including enhanced maternity and paternity leave, retail discounts, and a supportive employee assistance programme. Join us to be part of a growing organisation that values your contributions and supports your career growth in the specialty bakery sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Shift Lead Quality in Coatbridge
✨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 Finsbury Food, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Shift Lead Quality in Coatbridge
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 Finsbury Food 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 Finsbury Food
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Finsbury Food, 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 Finsbury Food 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.
