At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a production team to ensure high-quality food production and compliance with standards.
- Company: Join Thanet Earth, the UK's largest greenhouse, focused on sustainable agriculture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, health plans, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant workplace with social events and employee appreciation activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food production while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in food production and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Thanet Earth is the UK’s largest greenhouse development, specializing in the sustainable growing of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The business operates advanced glasshouse facilities designed to maximize crop quality and consistency while minimizing environmental impact. Modern growing techniques and technology support year‑round production and efficient use of resources. As a key supplier to major retailers, Thanet Earth offers a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment. Team members contribute directly to delivering fresh, high‑quality produce to consumers across the UK.
In the role of Lead Operative in the Production Department you will be responsible for management and performance of a designated production line, ensuring all aspects of Production are in accordance with compliance, quality standards and departmental KPIs.
Responsibilities- Supervise the shift team and relevant non‑shift personnel working in Production.
- Closely supervise and carry out inductions for any temporary staff employed in Production.
- Participate in the daily Production huddles and ensure regular communication/briefings to provide the Production team with the relevant information to carry out their role to the maximum effect.
- Carry out training as necessary in Production procedures, working practices and Company policy.
- Suggest and help implement any cost‑saving ideas or improvements.
- Comply with all relevant company policies & procedures and customer standards, including but not limited to Health & Safety, Food Safety, Integrity & Quality and Equality & Diversity.
- Maintain a high level of quality with a focus on zero defects.
- Carry out QA checks and complete relevant documentation.
- Experience working on a food production line.
- Skilled in prioritising tasks, using initiative, and proactive problem solving.
- Excellent communication skills; effective at multiple organisational levels.
- Capable of holding others accountable while maintaining positive relationships; able to give clear instructions to diverse groups.
- Supports shift managers, coaches and supports team members, promptly addresses issues.
- Confident, reliable, accurate, self‑motivated, inquisitive, and proficient in IT.
Start your day with a team huddle, where you’ll share updates and set the day's goals. As a Lead Operative, you keep a close eye on your team, welcome new staff, and ensure the production plan runs smoothly. Quality is your top priority, so you perform QA checks and make sure products are handled safely. Throughout the shift, you stay on top of hygiene and safety, tackle any issues, and suggest improvements. By the end of your shift, you leave everything in great shape for the next day. Your dedication to health and safety shines through, making each day a chance to lead and inspire.
Benefits- A competitive salary.
- 25 days holiday per annum plus 8 days of bank holidays.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Company pension.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Medicash health cash plan.
- In service life assurance.
- Online GP access.
- Company social events.
- Employee appreciation events.
- Access to lifestyle and shopping discounts via a benefits hub.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Production Lead Operative employer: Thanet Earth
Thanet Earth is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where sustainability meets innovation in food production. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a culture that values teamwork and quality, team members are empowered to grow and contribute meaningfully to the UK's fresh produce supply. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, employees enjoy a supportive atmosphere that encourages initiative and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Lead Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Thanet Earth and its values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand our commitment to sustainability and quality. It’ll make you stand out as someone who truly cares about what we do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Lead Operative, you'll need to effectively communicate with your team. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and clarity.
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you tackled challenges on a production line. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Thanet Earth team.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Lead Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Lead Operative role. Highlight your food production line experience and any relevant management skills to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about sustainable food production. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved processes in previous roles to grab our attention.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since communication is key in this role, make sure your application demonstrates your ability to convey information clearly. Use straightforward language and structure your application well to reflect your communication prowess.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thanet Earth
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the ins and outs of food production lines. Brush up on your knowledge about quality assurance checks and compliance standards. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also committed to maintaining high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Operative, you'll be supervising a team, so be ready to discuss your experience in leading and motivating others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, tackled challenges, and maintained positive relationships while holding people accountable.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. During the interview, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about their communication practices within the team, showing that you value open dialogue.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Think about cost-saving ideas or improvements you've implemented in previous roles. Be ready to share these during the interview to demonstrate your proactive problem-solving skills. This shows that you're not just a follower but someone who can contribute to the company's success.
