Production Team Leader in Wednesbury

Join our production team as a Production Team Leader and play a key role in delivering safe, efficient and high-quality operations.

Leading from the front, you'll be responsible for shift performance, ensuring production plans are executed effectively while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and food safety.

You'll also support and develop Production Operatives, helping to drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Location

Wednesbury

Benefits

Company pension, Company EAP program, 25 day's holidays plus bank holidays, Monthly pay, PPE provided

Hours

40 hours per week, working Monday to Saturday on a rotating schedule, with every second Saturday required and a day off in lieu on the Monday.

The role

• Take full ownership of shift performance, leading and supervising the production team to deliver Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People (SQCDP) objectives.
• Plan and allocate labour effectively across production lines, adjusting resources throughout the shift to meet production targets and minimise disruption.
• Ensure all products are manufactured in accordance with BRCGS, HACCP and site quality standards, maintaining excellent hygiene and GMP practices at all times.
• Lead Health & Safety activities on shift, including toolbox talks, risk assessments and the prompt escalation of incidents, hazards and near misses.
• Monitor and analyse key performance indicators, including OEE, waste, downtime and productivity, identifying opportunities for improvement and driving corrective actions.
• Use Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste and improve overall performance.
• Deputise for the Production Manager when required, supporting decision‑making and representing Production in cross‑functional discussions.
• Manage attendance, conduct return-to-work interviews and support employee relations matters in line with company policies.
• Deliver training, coaching and development activities to build capability, enhance performance and support career progression within the team.
• Support the induction and onboarding of new starters, ensuring they are fully trained and integrated into the operation.
• Complete detailed shift handovers and ensure effective communication across shift changes to maintain operational continuity.
• Contribute to recruitment activities, performance reviews, objective setting and ongoing people management processes.
• Ensure all machinery, equipment and PPE are used correctly, reporting faults promptly and working closely with Engineering to minimise downtime.
• Promote a positive, engaged and high‑performing team culture while leading by example and maintaining high operational standards across the shop floor.
• Act as the senior operational presence on shift, providing guidance, support and escalation where required to ensure the safe and efficient running of the production operation.

About you

• Proven experience as a

Team Leader, Shift Leader or Supervisor within a food manufacturing, FMCG or fast‑paced production environment, with responsibility for leading shift operations and delivering performance targets.

• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality and hygiene standards , including HACCP, BRCGS or equivalent industry standards.
• Sound understanding of

Health & Safety legislation , risk management and safe systems of work, with experience promoting a strong safety culture.

• Excellent people management skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and hold teams accountable for performance and behaviours.
• Experience managing attendance, performance and employee relations matters in line with company policies.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret production data, monitor KPI's and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Confident using

Microsoft Excel , ERP systems and other production reporting tools.

• Effective problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and respond quickly to operational challenges.
• A clear and confident communicator who can build positive relationships across all levels of the business.
• Ability to lead from the front, influence others and maintain high standards across safety, quality, productivity and team engagement.
• Capable of deputising for the Production Manager and representing Production in cross‑functional meetings when required.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with experience using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or other improvement methodologies being advantageous.
• Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement training, with the ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• IOSH Managing Safely, NEBOSH, or an equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
• Previous experience within a chilled, ambient food production or fresh food manufacturing environment.
• A formal supervisory or management qualification, such as ILM Level 3 or equivalent.
• Experience operating at Production Supervisor level, or in a role with similar responsibilities for shift performance, people management and operational delivery.
• Experience working within a BRCGS‑accredited manufacturing environment.

The KTC Group is a leading food manufacturer & distributor with headquarters in the West Midlands, serving major national retailers, large food service groups and blue‑chip corporations.

Our colleagues are the heart of our business, and we are always on the lookout for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our hardworking, talented team here at The KTC Group.

The KTC Group has grown significantly within the last few years, and we have ambitious plans for the future.

It's an exciting time to join our team, with real opportunities to build a successful career in the food industry.

The KTC Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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