At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate production teams to hit targets while ensuring quality and safety.
- Company: Join a growing food production business in Mitcham with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Earn £15.00-£16.00 per hour, enjoy ongoing training, and work in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and opportunities for career progression await you!
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing teams and driving performance in food production.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles within food production and strong communication skills.
We are supporting a growing food production business based in Mitcham, committed to delivering high-quality products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and operational excellence. We are looking for experienced Shift / Team Leaders to join our production team and help drive performance, engagement, and continuous improvement across our operations.
As a Shift / Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading and motivating production teams to achieve daily operational targets while maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency standards. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong people management skills, excellent communication, and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead, motivate, and develop production teams to achieve productivity and quality targets.
- Deliver effective training, coaching, and ongoing support to team members.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, health & safety, and company procedures.
- Monitor production performance and address issues proactively to minimise downtime.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with employees, supervisors, and management.
- Manage staffing levels and allocate resources to meet operational requirements.
- Complete production records, reports, and documentation accurately and on time.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and help implement process improvements.
- Foster a positive, professional, and accountable team culture.
- Act as a point of escalation for operational and people-related matters during shifts.
We are seeking confident leaders who can thrive in an environment where ambiguity and changing priorities are part of daily operations.
Essential Requirements:- Previous experience in a Team Leader, Shift Leader, Supervisor, or similar leadership role within food production, manufacturing, FMCG, or a related environment.
- Proven experience training, coaching, and developing teams.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and influence others.
- Comfortable making decisions and managing effectively in situations where information may be incomplete or priorities are evolving.
- Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
- Good understanding of food safety, quality, and health & safety requirements.
- Food Safety and/or HACCP qualifications.
- Experience working within BRCGS or other audited food manufacturing environments.
- Continuous improvement or lean manufacturing experience.
- Competitive pay of £15.00-£16.00 per hour, depending on experience.
- Opportunity to join a growing and ambitious business.
- Ongoing training and development.
- Supportive management team and opportunities for progression.
- Dynamic and fast-paced working environment.
If you are an experienced people leader with a background in food production and a passion for developing teams, we would love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV and a brief summary of your relevant experience.
Shift / Team Leader - Food Production employer: Major Recruitment Ashford
Join a dynamic and ambitious food production business in Mitcham, where we prioritise high-quality products and operational excellence. As a Shift / Team Leader, you'll benefit from competitive pay, ongoing training, and a supportive management team that fosters employee growth and progression in a fast-paced environment. Embrace the opportunity to lead and develop teams while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives in a culture that values accountability and professionalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift / Team Leader - Food Production
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Major Recruitment Ashford.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Major Recruitment Ashford!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Major Recruitment Ashford, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Major Recruitment Ashford, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift / Team Leader - Food Production
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Major Recruitment Ashford, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Major Recruitment Ashford.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Major Recruitment Ashford. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Major Recruitment Ashford. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Major Recruitment Ashford
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Major Recruitment Ashford’s mission.