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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production teams to achieve efficiency and maintain quality standards.
- Company: Leading fresh produce operation with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, engaging work environment, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in food manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership within food manufacturing or FMCG.
- Other info: Flexible 4 on / 4 off shift pattern with potential for extended hours.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Fresh People are recruiting on behalf of a leading fresh produce operation based in West Kent near Tonbridge specialising in the grading, ripening, packing, and supply of fruit to major UK retailers. Due to continued expansion and growth, two Operations Leaders are required to join the production leadership team within a high-volume, fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This is a strong opportunity for experienced operational leaders looking to take on a visible leadership role within a progressive business.
As an Operations Leader, you will be responsible for leading production teams to deliver the production plan in the most efficient way while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety, and health & safety. You will play a key role in embedding a first time right culture and driving performance across people, process, and product KPIs.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and lead Health & Safety and Food Safety standards across production
- Ensure effective utilisation and management of labour to deliver production plans
- Build, develop, and maintain an engaged production team
- Conduct colleague reviews and manage performance
- Deliver company briefings and communications as required
- Ensure all documentation is accurate, compliant, and audit-ready
- Manage team performance against defined KPIs including quality, safety, and efficiency
- Undertake investigations where required and support corrective actions
- Analyse production data to identify improvement opportunities and implement positive change
About You
- Proven experience in an operational or production leadership role within fresh produce, food manufacturing, or FMCG
- Strong people leadership and team development skills
- Confident managing KPIs, performance, and continuous improvement
- Good understanding of food safety, quality, and H&S standards
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, time-critical production environment
- Flexible to work a 4 on / 4 off shift pattern, including extended hours during peak periods
Working Hours
- 4 on / 4 off shift pattern
- 8am - 8pm
- Standard working day is 10 hours
- 12-hour shifts required during peak seasonal periods
How to Apply
If you have the relevant experience and are looking for your next leadership opportunity within a fresh produce or food manufacturing environment, we would be keen to hear from you. Please apply with your CV, and a member of the Fresh People team will be in touch to discuss the role in confidence.
Operations Leader in Tonbridge employer: Fresh People Ltd
Contact Detail:
Fresh People Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Leader in Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at leading fresh produce operations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of food safety and quality standards. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams in high-pressure environments and driven performance improvements. Show them you’re the Operations Leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your experience in fresh produce or food manufacturing.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a simple way to stand out from the crowd and reinforce your interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Leader in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Operations Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience in food manufacturing and any relevant KPIs you've managed.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and improve processes. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want you to be professional, don’t shy away from letting your personality shine through. A bit of authenticity can make your application stand out in a sea of candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, your application goes straight to us, and we can get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh People Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the fresh produce industry and the specific operations of the company. Brush up on key terms related to food safety, quality standards, and production KPIs. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed performance and driven continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment. This is your chance to shine as a leader!
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Since health and safety are crucial in this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with H&S standards and food safety regulations. Share specific instances where you ensured compliance and how you handled any challenges that arose.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company’s approach to team development or how they measure success in their production processes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
