At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure top-quality food production while promoting safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join Greencore, a leading UK convenience food creator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension matching, life insurance, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food manufacturing and inspire your team every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Making sure you fit the guidelines as an applicant for this role is essential, please read the below carefully.
Salary: Competitive salary
Benefits: Company share save scheme, Pension up to 8% matched, Life insurance up to 4x salary
Location: Old Leake (PE22 9PN) Near Boston
Ways of Working: Site based
Hours of work: 3's & 2's / 06:00-18:00
Contract Type: Permanent
Why Greencore? Following the combination with Bakkavor in January 2026, we’re one of the UK’s leading creators of convenience food, driven by a simple purpose: to make every day taste better. As a vibrant and fast-moving business, we’re proud to employ over 28,000 talented colleagues across 36 manufacturing sites and 21 distribution depots in the UK and the US. Together, we bring delicious food to life. Our products cover every meal occasion from breakfast through to dinner and dessert, with lunch and snacking in between. In FY25, our shared passion helped us achieve combined revenues of approximately £4bn.
Our extensive direct to store (DTS) network, with 17 depots across the UK, allows us to deliver fresh and frozen food both our own and from trusted partners to thousands of stores every day, ensuring consumers enjoy the very best, whenever and wherever they shop. Our site in Old Leake, just outside Boston, Lincolnshire, specialises in chilled Italian ready meals and modern deli products for a dedicated customer. The site employs around 700 people and operates in a fast-paced production environment.
What you’ll be doing
In this busy and dynamic role as Section Leader you will supervise a specified team to ensure that products are manufactured to the highest quality standards at minimum cost, always in line with CCP, GMP and Health & Safety requirements. You will play a key role in supporting Bakkavor’s values, fostering a culture built on people engagement, safety, quality and a constant drive to improve. Your leadership will inspire your team to deliver consistently outstanding results while maintaining efficiency and compliance, helping the business achieve excellence every day.
Role Accountabilities
- Promote a safe working environment in line with Group policy.
- Ensure GMP, food safety, product quality, presentation and housekeeping are maintained.
- Oversee attendance, reviews, absence management and first-level disciplinary actions.
- Identify skill needs, support training, and build a talent pool for progression.
- Drive KPIs, waste reduction, production control and accurate record keeping.
- Manage breaks, shift changeovers and monitor standards to deliver the plan.
- Lead daily briefs, SIC reviews and maintain strong links with peers and managers.
- Support hiring, induction and early engagement of new team members.
- Complete reporting and data tasks including OEE, T&A and holiday management.
What we’re looking for
- Confident leadership in food manufacturing, with a track record of inspiring and developing high-performing teams.
- Hands-on manufacturing experience, bringing practical understanding to daily operations and decision-making.
- Calm and clear-thinking under pressure, approaching challenges with logic, composure, and a solutions-focused mindset.
- Strong alignment with Bakkavor Values, consistently demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and teamwork.
- Flexible, adaptable, and tech-savvy, able to adjust to changing priorities and use digital tools confidently.
- Effective communicator with solid numerical skills, supporting sound operational and people-focused decisions.
- Background in chilled foods, FMCG, or broader food manufacturing is advantageous, along with training in Food Hygiene or IOSH.
- Driven to make a meaningful impact, bringing energy, commitment, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
We’re not all the same at Greencore and our differences help us to make everyday taste better for all our stakeholders. We truly put our people at the core and are proud of our diversity. If this sounds like you, join us and grow with Greencore, and be a part of driving our future success.
What you’ll get in return
- Competitive salary and job-related benefits
- Holidays
- Pension up to 8% matched
- Life insurance up to 4x salary
- Company share save scheme
- Exclusive Greencore employee discount platform
- Access to a full Wellbeing Centre platform
- Enhanced parental leave and menopause policies
Throughout your time at Greencore, you will be supported with on-the-job training and development opportunities to further your career.
Section Leader in Boston employer: Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group)
Contact Detail:
Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Section Leader in Boston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Greencore on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in a Section Leader.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and food safety. We want to show that we can handle pressure and inspire a team, so think of examples from our past experiences that highlight these skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When we go for the interview, let’s make sure we look professional and ready to lead. First impressions matter, especially in a fast-paced environment like Greencore.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit for the Section Leader position.
We think you need these skills to ace Section Leader in Boston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the Section Leader role entails and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience in food manufacturing and leadership. We love seeing how your skills can contribute to our team at Greencore, so make it personal!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how you embody our values. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead, so let that enthusiasm come through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greencore (Formally Bakkavor Group)
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Greencore thoroughly. Understand their values, products, and recent developments, especially after the merger with Bakkavor. This will show your genuine interest in the company and help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Section Leader, showcasing your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare specific examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to manage challenges calmly and effectively, as this aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making under pressure. Think of scenarios from your past where you had to drive KPIs or manage production control. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety and Quality
Since the role involves ensuring compliance with GMP and food safety standards, be prepared to discuss your understanding of these areas. Share any relevant training or experiences you have in food hygiene or health and safety, demonstrating your commitment to maintaining high standards.