At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate a team in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join INSPIRED Pet Nutrition, an award-winning pet food manufacturer.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, overtime, discounts, and a supportive workplace.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of care, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while fostering teamwork and safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We’re recruiting a Team Leader to join our manufacturing operation in Crick, Northamptonshire. This is a permanent role supporting our Chunk Production team and playing a key part in creating a safe, collaborative and high‑performing working environment.
Role Overview:
- Shift pattern: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (12‑hour shifts)
- Shift: Nights (18:00–06:00)
- Average hours: 36 per week
- Hourly rate: £17.19 plus £1.99 per hour shift allowance, plus £1.30 mince room allowance
About the Role:
As a Team Leader, you’ll support and motivate your team to deliver daily operational goals while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and teamwork. You’ll lead by example, helping people perform at their best and contributing to the overall success of INSPIRED. You’ll report to the Area Shift Leader and work closely with colleagues across operations.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Creating a Safe & Supportive Workplace
- Promote a strong health and safety culture, ensuring safe working practices are followed at all times
- Raise and address safety concerns promptly through the correct channels
- Leading & Supporting People
- Foster an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels valued and supported
- Encourage teamwork, collaboration and clear communication
- Welcome the team at the start of each shift and provide regular updates throughout
- Recognise and acknowledge good work and positive behaviours
- Organising & Managing the Day
- Allocate tasks in a way that plays to individual strengths and supports development
- Monitor day‑to‑day performance and provide constructive, supportive feedback
- Identify opportunities for improvement and help implement practical solutions
- Quality, Improvement & Decision‑Making
- Ensure all work meets quality standards and complies with food safety requirements
- Support continuous improvement by suggesting and trialling better ways of working
- Resolve issues fairly and calmly, making informed decisions when required
- Communication & Reporting
- Communicate clearly with your team about priorities, changes and expectations
- Maintain accurate records, reports and documentation to support transparency and accountability
Skills & Experience:
- Experience in food manufacturing or a related environment (preferred, not essential)
- Proven ability to lead, coach or support teams in a manufacturing or warehouse setting
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
- Understanding of food safety and quality standards
- Clear, approachable communication style
Total Reward & Benefits:
- Overtime, enhanced pension, life assurance
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, sick pay, and holiday buy options
- Healthcare cashback plan and Hertility at‑home fertility testing
- Generous discounts on pet food and lifestyle subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, breakdown cover)
- Retail and gym discounts, electric car scheme, free onsite parking and charging
- Onsite canteen, free hot drinks, and modern facilities
About Us:
INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an innovative, award‑winning pet food manufacturer employing over 1,200 colleagues across the UK and Europe. Our brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butcher’s, and more. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel, and Crick produce high‑quality food for dogs and cats enjoyed around the world. Our ambition is simple: to become a global leader in pet nutrition.
Our Purpose: To Create Happiness. We’re on a mission to set a new standard for workplace happiness. Our culture is built around care, collaboration, and continuous improvement - ensuring our people feel supported, valued, and proud of what they do.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on talent, potential, and experience. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. If you need any support, please contact recruitment@ipn.co.uk. We’re committed to being an inclusive employer - please speak with us to discuss job share opportunities, particularly if you’re returning to work, balancing family commitments, or exploring flexible ways of working.
Production Team Leader in Crick employer: Inspired Pet Nutrition
INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an exceptional employer located in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With competitive pay, comprehensive benefits including enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and unique perks like paw-ternity leave, we foster an inclusive environment where every colleague can thrive. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating happiness in the pet nutrition industry while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Team Leader in Crick
✨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 Inspired Pet Nutrition, 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 Team Leader in Crick
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 Inspired Pet Nutrition 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 Inspired Pet Nutrition
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Inspired Pet Nutrition, 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 Inspired Pet Nutrition 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.
