At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production and quality processes, ensuring products meet high standards and solve issues collaboratively.
- Company: Join Bloomin, a dynamic company launching a new production operation in Llantrisant.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovative food production and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Bloomin is establishing a new UK production operation in Llantrisant through a strategic manufacturing partnership. This site-based role will work closely with both organisations, supporting the day-to-day operation across production, quality and new-product scale-up.
The Production & Quality Lead will bring hands-on product and process expertise, working collaboratively with the wider site team to solve production issues, maintain consistent standards and support continuous improvement. The role will be central to making the partnership successful by building strong ways of working, sharing product knowledge and helping ensure Bloomin products are produced safely, efficiently and consistently.
Key Responsibilities- Work as part of the site team to support daily production priorities, problem-solving and delivery.
- Ensure products are made to agreed recipes, processes, specifications and quality standards.
- Complete or oversee product-specific QC checks, including pH, Brix, viscosity, colour, taste, packaging and batch coding where relevant.
- Review production and QC records, retained samples and batch documentation, escalating risks or deviations early.
- Support investigations, root-cause analysis and corrective action for non-conformances, complaints, rework and recurring issues.
- Support the transfer of new and existing recipes from lab or pilot scale into repeatable full-scale production.
- Plan and support trials, pre-production runs and first productions with R&D, Technical, Operations, Supply Chain and the site team.
- Identify scale-up risks and ensure production instructions, QC limits and key watch-outs are documented before handover into routine production.
- Build effective working relationships across the partnership, promoting clear communication and shared problem-solving.
- Keep relevant teams informed of production performance, risks, actions, changes and upcoming priorities.
- Contribute to production planning, launches and product changes, and improve SOPs, QC records, handover documents and ways of working as the operation grows.
- Promote strong process discipline, food-safety awareness and shared ownership of product quality.
- Experience in food or beverage manufacturing, ideally liquids, syrups, sauces, drinks or similar products.
- Strong practical understanding of production processes, quality control and food-safety expectations.
- Hands-on production experience and the confidence to understand and challenge recipes, batch records, specifications and processes.
- Experience completing or reviewing QC checks such as pH, Brix, viscosity, taste and colour.
- Strong troubleshooting, communication and documentation skills, with the ability to influence through expertise and relationships.
- Comfortable working in a fast-growing, multi-functional environment where processes continue to evolve.
- Strong relationship-building and collaborative working skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across both organisations and help maximise the operational and strategic value of the partnership.
- Experience of product scale-up, joint-venture or partner manufacturing, multi-SKU operations, ERP/MRP systems, and HACCP, GMP, BRCGS or SALSA environments.
The role will be involved wherever production, product delivery or quality is affected. Formal responsibility for areas such as labour planning, engineering, maintenance or facilities may sit elsewhere within the operating structure, but the Production & Quality Lead will work closely with those responsible to resolve any resulting production or quality issues.
What Success Looks Like- Products are made consistently to agreed quality and food-safety standards.
- Production issues are identified early, resolved quickly and are less likely to recur.
- New recipes move smoothly into stable, repeatable production.
- QC records, batch documentation and retained samples are accurate and complete.
- Product knowledge is retained and shared, with clear communication and ownership across the joint team.
- Customer issues, rework and production surprises reduce as the operation scales.
Production Lead employer: Foodlab Wales
Bloomin is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Llantrisant where collaboration and innovation thrive. Employees benefit from hands-on experience in food production, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team culture that prioritises quality and safety. The strategic partnership approach fosters strong relationships and shared problem-solving, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the food and beverage industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Lead
✨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 Foodlab Wales, 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 Production Lead
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 Foodlab Wales 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 Foodlab Wales
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Foodlab Wales, 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 Foodlab Wales 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.
