At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production and warehouse functions, ensuring performance targets are met.
- Company: Join Saputo, a top global dairy processor with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, private medical insurance, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression within the UK and overseas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and growth.
- Qualifications: Previous team leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world .
As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment.
Ready to bring your best?
- PRODUCTION LEAD
- Wensleydale Creamery
- Hawes, Yorkshire Dales, UK
Full Time | Permanent - ABOUT SAPUTO
Saputo Dairy UK are the company behind Wensleydale cheese, and other iconic British dairy brands including Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight and Davidstow — household names loved by millions.
Saputo Dairy UK is part of Saputo Inc., a top ten global dairy company, offering the best of both worlds: the agility and warmth of a dedicated UK business with the support and resources of a global group.
We pride ourselves on our inclusive, collaborative culture, where people are valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
Our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality makes us a leader in the UK food industry.
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
As Production Lead for the Wensleydale Creamery site in Hawes, you will take responsibility for running production and warehouse functions at the plant, reporting into the Site Lead.
You will sit on the Plant Leadership Team playing an integral part in supporting company strategy and delivering against EBITDA.
You will provide your team with clear leadership, communication and guidance to ensure the right process and procedures are followed and performance metrics are achieved.
You will ensure appropriate organisation and allocation of resources to deliver the production plan to time, cost, quality and service levels with due regard to environmental, food safety and HSE regulations.
- YOU’LL MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT MATTER BY…
- Leading the team to deliver and exceed the performance targets of the site
- Playing a key role in the delivery of the operational plan for manpower, volumes, cost and service
- Developing a high-performance culture focused on innovation, accountability and continuous improvement
- Driving optimal health and food safety systems and standards across the department
- Operating with the pace required to increase productivity while improving accuracy and process adherence
- Leading, defining and developing continuous improvement activities designed to improve performance, such as the planning and running of lean events
- Managing and driving site top loss review forum and identifying full and permanent countermeasures for all downtime related issues
- Performing root cause analysis and resolving problems
- Conducting risk assessments of processes and tasks in the department
- Working collaboratively with key stakeholders across the business
- Setting clear standards and expectations, monitoring performance against them, using 1to1s, clear objective setting and Saputo development channels
- Undertaking continuous training and development
- Establishing clear communication channels that support engagement, consistency and collaboration
- Delegating responsibilities to direct reports, ensuring they have ownership of their departments while providing support with significant issues
- Supporting team development and implementing comprehensive training and development plans for all team members
- YOU’RE BEST SUITED FOR THE ROLE IF YOU ARE…
- Able to demonstrate previous experience of team leadership, ideally in a high performing team
- Able to work in a consistent calm, controlled, positive and effective manner in a changing environment
- Able to take initiative and work autonomously
- Able to adopt our values and help drive them in the team
- Adept at building and maintaining relationships
- Able to act decisively
- Results focused
- Analytical with strong attention to detail
- Computer literate and accuracy in data compilation
- An effective communicator
- Resilient, flexible and inclusive
- WE SUPPORT AND CARE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES BY PROVIDING YOU WITH…
- 5% Annual bonus
- 3% Employer pension contribution
- Private Medical Insurance that covers you and family members
- Access to Thrive 24 hours a day: a leading and NHS clinically approved app which focuses on general wellbeing
- Life assurance
- Subsidised staff restaurant
- Discounted branded products
- My Staff Shop - access to exclusive benefits, free advice and savings - providing great discounts from thousands of the UKs largest retailers & service providers
- Free, on-site parking
- Autonomous and inclusive working environment.
- Opportunities for progression within the UK and overseas
- DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AT SAPUTO
We support employment equity. Saputo strives to embed diversity and inclusion in its operations and invites candidates from all horizons to join our team.
To enable you to bring your best we will ensure you are provided with any physical or non-physical adjustments to support your participation in the job application and interview process.
Agencies -
Thank you for your interest in working with Saputo Dairy UK.
We do not pay fees or acknowledge any CV’s supplied to Saputo Dairy UK unless you have been briefed on the role by a member of the Talent Acquisition Team.
In the UK, Saputo is a producer of leading British food brands and value-added ingredients.
We manufacture a range of cheeses, dairy spreads, and dairy-free products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands including Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight and Wensleydale.
Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success.
You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.
Production Lead employer: Saputo
At Saputo, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture that empowers our employees to make meaningful contributions. Located in Weybridge, Surrey, our UK headquarters offers a supportive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits, and a commitment to employee wellbeing. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your expertise in employee relations will help shape a function set for success within a leading global dairy company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Lead
✨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 Saputo, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Lead
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 Saputo 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 Saputo
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Saputo, 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 Saputo 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.