Packhouse Production Line Leader in Tonbridge

• PRODUCTION LINE LEADER - FRESH PRODUCE PACKHOUSE
• Permanent Position | Tonbridge, TN12

£14.07 per hour during training, increasing to £15.27 per hour upon successful completion of training.

Shift Pattern: 6:30am - 6:30pm | Choose between 4 or 5 days per week

Are you an experienced Production Team Leader with a background in fresh food or fresh produce?

Do you have the confidence and leadership skills to motivate a team, drive production performance and maintain the highest standards?

We are looking for a proactive and hands‑on

Production Line Leader to join our busy fresh produce packhouse in Tonbridge.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced production environment, takes pride in leading by example and is passionate about delivering quality, efficiency and high standards.

THE ROLE

As Production Line Leader, you will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of your allocated production lines, ensuring targets are achieved while maintaining excellent standards of quality, food safety, hygiene and health and safety.

You will lead, motivate and support your team, ensuring production runs smoothly, efficiently and in line with customer specifications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, motivate and support production operatives, providing clear instructions and promoting effective teamwork.
• Take ownership of production lines, ensuring targets, run rates and deadlines are achieved.
• Ensure the correct fruit, packaging, labels, weights, counts and customer specifications are followed.
• Monitor product quality and report any issues or trends promptly.
• Ensure production lines are properly cleared, cleaned and set up before each production run.
• Work closely with Planning, Warehouse, Quality Control and Production Management teams.
• Minimise waste, product damage and unnecessary handling of fruit and packaging.
• Monitor staff attendance, break times, productivity and working standards.
• Maintain high standards of Health & Safety, Food Safety, HACCP, GMP and general hygiene.
• Ensure compliance with PPE, handwashing, protective clothing and site safety procedures.
• Report accidents, near misses, hazards, damage and equipment issues immediately.
• Complete production paperwork, records and Prophet system updates accurately.
• Ensure pallets, labels and production records are accurate and legally compliant.
• Support staff training, coaching and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide cover when required and maintain a flexible, supportive approach.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have

Essential: Previous experience working with fresh food produce.

• Previous experience in a production, packhouse or supervisory environment.
• Confidence in leading, motivating and managing a team.
• A strong work ethic and a hands‑on approach to leadership.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• The ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• A good understanding of food safety, hygiene and health and safety procedures.
• The physical fitness required for a demanding production environment.
• Flexibility, reliability and a positive attitude.

Your own transport is essential due to the location of the site.

• PAY & BENEFITS
• £14.07 per hour during the training period.
• £15.27 per hour following successful completion of training.
• Permanent employment opportunity.

• Choice of working pattern

• 4 days on / 3 days off.
• 5 days on / 2 days off.
• Consistent 12‑hour shifts, 6:30am - 6:30pm.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

If you have fresh produce experience, enjoy leading a team and are looking for a permanent opportunity where you can make a difference, we would love to hear from you!