At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily production, manage orders, and improve processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturing business in Telford, expanding with new production lines.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary starting at £50,000, with potential increases after probation.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values creativity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing or FMCG, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: Located in Telford, this role offers a Monday to Friday schedule with 39.5 hours per week.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 52000 £ per year.
Production Lead – Food Manufacturing Location: Telford Salary: £50,000 – £52,750 per annum (depending on skills and experience) Shift Pattern: 39.5 hours per week | Mon–Thurs 8:30am–5:00pm, Fri 8:30am–4:30pm Are you a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high‑pressure manufacturing environment, and do you have previous experience in the Food Manufacturing / Food Packaging / FMCG sector? We’re looking for a Production Lead to join our dynamic team, driving performance, problem‑solving challenges, and supporting continuous improvement across our automated production lines. The hiring manager would prefer someone who has previous experience within the food manufacturing sector, and we are looking for someone who lives within a 25-mile radius of Telford (Shropshire). This will be a 2-stage interview process, with the first stage consisting of a numeracy and literacy assessment on site in Telford, Shropshire. This job would be a great fit for someone who has previously worked as a Production Manager, Shift Manager, Senior Production Manager, Production Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager within the Food Manufacturing Industry. What You’ll Do: Oversee daily production plans to ensure all resources, materials, and equipment are in place. Develop strategies to manage order flow and resolve issues quickly and effectively. Analyse short‑term performance data (24–72 hours) to drive improvements. Troubleshoot ongoing production challenges and escalate where needed. Monitor product quality and line efficiency, implementing targeted improvements. Chair development meetings, support product trials, and manage line changeovers. Oversee planned equipment maintenance and ensure machinery is operating optimally. Support operator performance, offering coaching, training, and development. Write and update SOPs, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. Provide technical assistance during major breakdowns. Plan and oversee effective cleaning processes for product quality and hygiene. What We’re Looking for in a Production Lead: Previous experience within the food manufacturing / packaging industry. Experience in a high‑pressure, fast-moving manufacturing environment. Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to develop logical, effective solutions. Proven leadership skills and a passion for developing teams. Excellent organisation, time‑management, and multi‑tasking abilities. A collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous improvement. Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, GMP) — desirable but not essential. Job Location: This exciting opportunity is based in Telford (Shropshire). If you are a Production Manager, Shift Manager, Senior Production Manager, Production Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager with previous Food Manufacturing Industry experience and you are seeking a new job, then this could be the right role for you!! Apply Now – Take the next step in your manufacturing leadership career! Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency. In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included
Production Lead employer: Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific food manufacturing processes and technologies used by the company. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences in detail, especially how you've managed teams in high-pressure environments. Use specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to improve production efficiency.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company's culture and values, particularly their focus on teamwork and continuous improvement. Be ready to share how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to fostering that culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Since the role involves a numeracy and literacy assessment, brush up on your basic maths and comprehension skills. Practising sample questions can help you feel more confident and prepared for this part of the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food manufacturing or FMCG. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and specific achievements that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage production effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the food manufacturing industry. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Production Lead role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the company's success.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to production management, team leadership, and knowledge of food safety practices. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully implemented improvements in past roles.
Prepare for Assessments: Since the application process includes a numeracy and literacy assessment, brush up on these skills beforehand. Practice relevant exercises to ensure you perform well during the assessment stage of the interview process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Production Lead. Familiarise yourself with daily production plans, quality monitoring, and team leadership. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Assessments
Since the first stage includes a numeracy and literacy assessment, brush up on your basic maths and comprehension skills. Practising sample questions can help you feel more comfortable and perform better during the assessment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous roles in food manufacturing or similar industries. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed production challenges or improved processes, as this will show your practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
As a Production Lead, you'll need strong leadership skills. Prepare to talk about how you've developed teams in the past, handled conflicts, and motivated staff. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.