Production Team Leader - Nights in Bolton

Production Team Leader

Job Purpose

To lead, motivate and develop the production team, ensuring that manufacturing targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) are consistently achieved. The role is responsible for delivering production requirements safely, efficiently and within agreed timescales and budgets, whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Team Responsibility

• Responsible for leading and managing up to 10 employees per shift.
• Provide operational cover for other Team Leaders during periods of absence, including sickness and annual leave.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operational Management

• Lead, organise and motivate the production team to achieve daily production targets and QCDSP objectives.
• Monitor production performance against agreed KPIs, ensuring output, efficiency and costs remain within expected targets.
• Ensure employees are appropriately trained, skilled and allocated to tasks in line with the site's skills matrix.
• Produce accurate shift performance reports and quantitative data to support the analysis of production output, performance and costs.
• Monitor and control production variances, escalating any issues that may impact operational performance.
• Ensure all production activities are accurately recorded and completed in accordance with manufacturing procedures.
• Maximise product yields and minimise waste without compromising quality or product standards.

People Management & Development

• Manage, coach and develop production employees to maximise individual and team performance.
• Promote a positive working environment built around teamwork, accountability, openness and continuous improvement.
• Ensure employees receive the appropriate training and development, maintaining accurate training records through the skills matrix.
• Manage attendance in line with company policies and procedures, using the relevant time and attendance systems.
• Address performance concerns and support employee development in accordance with HR policies and procedures.
• Maintain effective communication through regular team briefings, updates and feedback sessions.
• Encourage employees to share knowledge, adopt best practice and contribute towards achieving business objectives.

Quality, Health & Safety

• Ensure all production activities comply with company quality standards, product specifications and operational procedures.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and housekeeping throughout the production area.
• Ensure all products are correctly labelled and that quality documentation and production paperwork are completed accurately.
• Identify and report quality concerns or non-conformances to the Technical Manager at the earliest opportunity.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture, ensuring employees understand and follow safe working practices.
• Take responsibility for personal safety and the safety of others by adhering to all relevant health, safety, environmental and quality procedures.
• Ensure all employees understand and comply with site policies and the requirements of the Integrated Management System.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply lean manufacturing principles, including 5S, Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and problem-solving techniques.
• Use root cause analysis to identify underlying issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Regularly review production processes and working methods, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and productivity.
• Work closely with the wider site management team to introduce and embed continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor waste levels, identify opportunities for reduction and support initiatives to improve production yields.
• Encourage a culture of operational excellence, employee engagement and shared responsibility for performance.

General Responsibilities

• Demonstrate behaviours that reflect company values, including integrity, enthusiasm, openness and accountability.
• Support site Quality, Safety and Environmental objectives and contribute towards improving the overall working culture.
• Support the business in achieving its ethical trading and human rights commitments.
• Promote the company's approach to ethical trade and human rights when engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers and consumers.
• Escalate operational, quality, staffing or equipment issues promptly to the appropriate management team.
• Undertake additional reasonable duties as required by the business, in agreement with the line manager.

Knowledge & Experience

• Previous experience working within an FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing and supervising a small production team.
• Understanding of manufacturing systems, processes and operational procedures.
• Experience dealing with employee relations and HR matters, including investigations and performance management.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement techniques.
• Food Safety and Hygiene qualifications would be advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and engage a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to coach, develop and support employees.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel and production reporting systems.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and deliver results within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in relation to quality, safety and production standards.

Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibility

All employees are expected to carry out their responsibilities with due consideration for their own health and safety and that of others.

The role holder must demonstrate reasonable care, follow all relevant health and safety requirements and actively contribute towards maintaining a safe, compliant and environmentally responsible workplace.
Hours of work will be Monday to Friday - 22:00pm to 06:00am