Food Production Team Leader
Job Reference: FJ-dvn9n
Manufacturing and Production Herne Bay, Kent £12.80 - £14.00 per hour
Benefits: Free Parking
Type: Temp to Perm
Pay: £12.80/hr for 12 weeks, increasing to £14.00/hr on successful temp-to-perm
Location: Herne Bay, Kent
Shifts: 4 on / 4 off 07:00 - 19:00
We're recruiting a hands-on Food Production Team Leader for a quality-led manufacturing site in Herne Bay. This role suits someone who leads from the front, keeps standards high, and delivers the numbers-daily/weekly output (units/kg), line efficiency/OEE, and labour utilisation-without cutting corners on food safety or quality.
What you'll be responsible for
- Deliver daily and weekly output targets (units/kg) while maintaining agreed OEE/line efficiency and labour utilisation metrics.
- Plan and allocate work, manage rotas and organise absence cover to achieve production schedules and on-time completion of customer orders.
- Lead, organise and motivate a team who carefully blend, fill and pack-driving daily performance and operational excellence on the line.
- Maintain a safe, clean and tidy production environment and ensure the team follows site safety and hygiene rules at all times.
- Enforce food safety, hygiene and allergen controls (HACCP, GMP, BRC/SQF), including:
- Pre-start checks
- Temperature control
- Traceability
- Cleaning regimes
- 100% completion of records, audits and required documentation
- Monitor quality on-line: complete first-off and in-process checks, elevate non-conformances, and implement corrective actions to reduce rejects and maintain customer specifications.
- Drive continuous improvement: lean / waste reduction / yield optimisation, and support root-cause analysis to reduce downtime, changeover times, and product losses against KPIs.
What we're looking for
- Previous experience as a Team Leader / Supervisor in food production or FMCG manufacturing.
- Confident running a line to performance targets (output, OEE/efficiency, labour).
- Strong understanding of food safety and quality controls (HACCP/GMP; BRC/SQF knowledge beneficial).
- Organised, decisive, and able to keep people focused-especially during changeovers and busy periods.
- Reliable with paperwork and compliance: checks completed properly, every time.
- Fit and able-ready to lift ingredients and move around the production floor safely.
- Comfortable working on your feet in a fast-paced environment.
HRGO Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
All applicants will be assessed solely on their suitability for the role, without regard to age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
By applying for this position, you consent to HRGO holding and processing your data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
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Food Production Team Leader in Herne Bay employer: HR GO Recruitment
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding aerospace precision engineering company that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a focus on quality and innovation, we offer competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and organised working environment. As a CNC Setter/Operator, you'll be part of a team that takes pride in producing high-precision components while enjoying the benefits of working in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Team Leader in Herne Bay
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨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 HR GO Recruitment, 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!
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 HR GO Recruitment 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 HR GO Recruitment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with HR GO Recruitment, 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 HR GO Recruitment 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.