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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, home to iconic UK brands like Bisto and Paxo.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and great perks.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape operational performance and drive continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 42700 - 51230 £ per year.
Location: Ashford, TN24 0LU
Salary: £42,700 to £51,230 p.a. relevant to experience (Double Day Shift inclusive of shift allowance) or £45,110 to £53,500 p.a. relevant to experience (Night Shift inclusive of shift allowance)
Shifts: Rotating Double Days / Nights (flexibility required across all shift patterns)
Here at Premier Foods, we are leading the way within the food manufacturing industry, home to some of the UK's most iconic brands including Bisto, Paxo and Batchelors. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Team Manager to lead a multidisciplinary operations team at our Ashford site. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role, driving performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Performance, and Morale (SQDCPM). You will be responsible for delivering operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and high engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive a strong safety, quality, and food safety culture
- Lead team to hit production, quality, and waste targets
- Manage changeovers, shift handovers, and issue escalation
- Own shift performance results and KPI delivery
- Run effective in-shift performance control
- Deliver clear daily priorities and actions
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities
- Ensure compliance, standards, and system accuracy
- Coach, develop, and manage team performance
- Build engaged, high-performing teams
- Plan resources effectively to meet demand
- Collaborate cross-functionally to drive site performance
About You:
We are looking for a proactive leader who can inspire high performance and drive results. You will have:
- Proven people leadership experience within a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong knowledge of food safety standards (Food Safety Level 3, HACCP Level 3; BRCGS/ISO 22000 desirable)
- Experience and evidence of applying continuous improvement tools and leading change initiatives
- Evidenced excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong analytical capability with an understanding of performance metrics and financial drivers
- IT proficiency, with awareness of systems such as SAP
- A commitment to ongoing professional development (relevant technical qualifications advantageous)
What Success Looks Like:
- Strong safety, quality, and compliance performance with risks proactively managed
- Consistent delivery against production targets and operational KPIs
- Effective use of SIC and structured problem-solving to drive performance improvements
- Tangible reductions in waste and inefficiency
- Engaged, capable, and well-supported teams delivering sustained results
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and shift allowances
- Opportunity to lead and shape operational performance
- A culture focused on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Career development within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Benefits and Perks:
- 25 days annual leave and 8 bank holidays
- Contributory pension up to 7.5%, plus life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and occupational health support
- Sharesave scheme
- Company shop
- Online retail discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free on-site parking and strong transport links
At Premier Foods, we believe in inclusion, authenticity, and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued, and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love, or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome. We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.
The Next Step... Click apply via our website and upload your CV & covering statement.
Locations
Team Manager in Ashford, Kent employer: Premier Foods
Contact Detail:
Premier Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager in Ashford, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Premier Foods, their values, and their iconic brands. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're proactive and engaged!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and operational excellence. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience in driving performance and managing teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Premier Foods family.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager in Ashford, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Team Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing and any relevant qualifications, like food safety standards. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Covering Statement: Your covering statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and led teams in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Continuous Improvement Experience: Since we're all about continuous improvement, make sure to highlight any tools or initiatives you've implemented in previous roles. We want to know how you've made a difference and driven results in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your application. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Premier Foods. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food safety standards and continuous improvement tools. Familiarise yourself with the specific metrics and KPIs relevant to the role, as this will show that you're serious about driving performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a manufacturing environment. Think about times when you've inspired high performance or managed change effectively. This is your chance to demonstrate your people leadership experience!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing shift handovers or addressing performance issues. Practise your responses so you can articulate your thought process clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.