About the role
The Group Leader is responsible for leading a team of operators on shift to ensure safe, efficient and quality production. The role delivers the daily production plan, resolves issues in real time, maintains compliance with safety and quality standards, and drives continuous improvement at line level. As the frontline leader, the Group Leader is a key link between operators and the Production Stream Manager.
What will I be doing?
Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure safe working practices and behaviours ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations promoting a safety-first culture
- Identify and report hazards, leading immediate corrective actions
- Ensure compliance with site H&S policies and food safety requirements (GMP, hygiene standards)
- Act as the primary on site emergency lead
Operational Delivery:
- Deliver the shift production plan while monitoring KPIs with a continuous improvement mindset
- Lead Tier 1 meetings
- Ensure labour and resources are allocated effectively, including managing conduct issues, approving holidays, and completing return to work interviews
- Complete accurate shift handovers and maintain required documentation
- Maintain accurate data on production output, downtime and team performance
- Verify raw material stock availability and resolve any issues, escalating where necessary
Quality & Food Safety:
- Maintain product quality through correct management of processes, ensuring adherence to GMP and product specifications
- Ensure operators follow SOPs, CCP checks and quality procedures
- Escalate quality issues and support first level problem solving.
People Leadership:
- Lead, coach and develop a team of operators
- Promote team culture, recognition and engagement
- Manage training compliance and ensure training matrices remain up to date
- Provide regular feedback and support a positive team culture
Continuous Improvement:
- Lead basic CI activity at line level (5S, waste reduction, standard work)
- Contribute to root cause analysis and support improvement actions
- Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce waste
Cross Functional Working:
- Work closely with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve issues quickly and effectively
- Communicate shift performance, risks and actions to the Production Stream Manager
What do I need to be successful?
In Kinisla we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.
These include:
Essential
- Demonstrated leadership ability in a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong understanding of production equipment and processes
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to coach, motivate and organise teams effectively
Desirable
- Basic lean manufacturing knowledge (5S, problem solving)
- Food production experience
- Awareness of HACCP, GMP or food safety standards
- IOSH Working Safely (or equivalent)
What will I get in return?
At Kinisla, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire food and nourish life. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.
We also offer:
- 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
- Health Care
- Matched pension scheme
- Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.
About Kinisla
Kinisla is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.
With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.
Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kinisla is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.
Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 29 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.
Globally, Kinisla employs over 1,600 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.
In Kinisla we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.
We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kinisla and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.
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Production Group Leader in Wakefield employer: Kinisla Group
Kinisla is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where talented individuals can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the dairy industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including 25 days of annual leave, a matched pension scheme, and a supportive environment that encourages creativity and teamwork. Located in Tralee, Co. Kerry, our headquarters provide a unique opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to sustainability and excellence, while working with some of the UK's largest retail customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Group Leader in Wakefield
✨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 Kinisla Group, 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 Kinisla Group 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 Kinisla Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Kinisla Group, 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 Kinisla Group 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.
