Team Leader in Food Production - Nights
- Rainham (RM13)
- £38,000 PA
- Permanent
- 4 on 3 off, 12 hour shift 6pm-6am (12 hours pay per shift)
- Lots of opportunities to work additional shifts on overtime (flat rate).
- The role is to start immediately
About the Role
As a Kitchen Supervisor, you will lead and support the day-to-day operations of our kitchen operation.
You'll be responsible for supervising the kitchen team, ensuring all food is prepared to the highest quality standards, and maintaining a safe, efficient, and well- organised working environment.
This role is essential in helping us deliver consistently exceptional meals at scale.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Coordination
- Supervise and support the kitchen team throughout daily production
- Allocate tasks, manage workflow, and ensure production targets are met
- Train, coach, and onboard new staff members
- Promote a positive, collaborative working environment
Quality Control & Food Standards
- Ensure all meals are prepared according to recipes, specifications, and batch standards
- Maintain exceptional product quality, portion consistency, and presentation
- Oversee HACCP documentation, temperature checks, and compliance logs
- Uphold food safety, allergen, hygiene, and sanitation procedures always
Operational Management
- Plan and organise production schedules in line with daily and weekly targets
- Communicate clearly with management regarding staffing, stock, or operational needs
- Assist with prep, cooking, and assembly tasks when required
- Ensure equipment is clean, safe, and functioning; report any faults promptly
Stock & Resource Management
- Oversee stock rotation and accurate ingredient usage (FIFO)
- Monitor inventory and notify management of shortages or wastage
- Ensure ingredients are stored correctly and safely
Health, Safety & Cleanliness
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness across all work areas
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Support internal audits and inspections
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Experience in a supervisory, senior kitchen, or high-volume production environment
- Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- Solid understanding of food hygiene, safety, and compliance processes
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Confidence in training and guiding team members
Desired
- Experience in food manufacturing or central production kitchens
- Level 3 Food Hygiene or willingness to train
- Experience working with batch sheets, SOPs, or production planning
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, organised, and solution-focused
- Strong sense of ownership and responsibility
- Supportive team leader with a hands-on attitude
- Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing priorities
- Passion for quality and consistency
Working Environment
- High-volume, fast-paced kitchen production environment
- Standing for long periods
- Working with hot equipment and temperature-controlled areas
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Food Production Team Leader employer: Meriden Media
Join a leading food manufacturing business in South Warwickshire, where you will play a pivotal role as a Backshift Manager, overseeing hygiene and sanitation standards across a dynamic production environment. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a collaborative work culture, this company offers competitive salaries, opportunities for continuous improvement, and the chance to make a tangible impact on food safety and quality. Experience a supportive atmosphere that values hands-on leadership and innovation, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Team Leader
✨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 Meriden Media, 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 Meriden Media 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 Meriden Media
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Meriden Media, 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 Meriden Media 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.
