At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations in fresh produce preparation, ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join a family-run business that values people, relationships, and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, grocery discounts, birthday leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with flexible shifts and a focus on personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food production while leading a motivated team.
- Qualifications: Supervisory experience in food production and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Camberwell
Full-time: Day Shift (occasional night shift cover)
Salary: Starting £40000-£45000
About Us
At Smith & Brock, we’re not just in the business of fresh produce, we’re in the business of people, relationships, and responsibility. As a proudly family‑run company, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in quality without compromise, integrity in every interaction, and sustainability that safeguards the future.
As part of the Smith & Brock Group, Uncle Reg is our dedicated production site where we carefully prepare and pack fresh products for our customers. Everything that leaves our facility reflects our commitment to quality, food safety, and excellence. We champion fair partnerships with growers, exceptional service for our customers, and a supportive, respectful environment for our team. Every role at Uncle Reg plays a part in delivering honest, responsibly sourced products and doing it with care.
The Role
As Production Manager at Uncle Reg, you will lead and coordinate the day‑to‑day operations of our Fresh Fruit, Veg, Juices preparation team, ensuring products are processed, packed, and dispatched to the highest standards of quality and food safety.
What You'll Be Doing
- This is a hands‑on role leading the day‑to‑day fruit and veg preparation, order fulfillment and packing operations across your shift, with a focus on hitting targets and meeting deadlines.
- Managing, motivating, and supporting a team of prep operatives to maintain high performance and morale.
- Monitoring product quality, food safety standards and hygiene compliance throughout the production area.
- Conducting team briefings, allocating tasks and managing workflow efficiently.
- Identifying and resolving operational issues quickly to minimise downtime.
- Completing shift reports, stock records and documentation accurately.
- Supporting the onboarding and training of new team members.
- Working closely with other managers and departments to meet customer requirements.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience in a supervisory role, ideally within a fresh produce environment, food production or FMCG.
- Experience with knife skills and cutting techniques for fresh produce would be an advantage.
- A strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, and quality standards (HACCP knowledge is a plus).
- Excellent communication and people management skills; you lead by example.
- Able to work effectively under pressure in a fast‑paced, time‑sensitive environment.
- Reliable, organised and proactive with a hands‑on approach.
- Flexible shift patterns.
- Good written and verbal English for reporting and communication purposes.
- Basic computer literacy required for managing daily orders, printing reports and labels, and navigating our HR system.
What's In It for You
- Enjoy a weekly shop of groceries including vegetables and fruit at company price.
- Refer a Friend bonus.
- Extra day of holiday for your birthday.
- Earned Wage Access, early access to your wages before payday.
- 30% off at Sylva Café.
- Uniform and PPE provided.
- Career Progression — we grow our own leaders, and many of our team have built long careers with us.
Production Manager (Fresh Produce Preparation) in London employer: Smith & Brock Ltd
At Smith & Brock, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values people and relationships just as much as fresh produce. Located in Camberwell, our supportive work culture fosters growth and development, offering employees unique benefits such as a weekly grocery shop at company prices, birthday leave, and career progression opportunities. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises quality, integrity, and sustainability while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager (Fresh Produce Preparation) in London
✨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 Smith & Brock Ltd.
✨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 Smith & Brock Ltd!
✨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 Smith & Brock Ltd, 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 Smith & Brock Ltd, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager (Fresh Produce Preparation) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Smith & Brock Ltd, 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 Smith & Brock Ltd.
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 Smith & Brock Ltd. 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 Smith & Brock Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith & Brock Ltd
✨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 Smith & Brock Ltd’s mission.
