At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a production line, ensuring efficiency and quality in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Walkers Chocolates, a supportive and innovative confectionery business.
- Benefits: Earn £13 per hour plus overtime, with opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing supervision and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham - Onsite at Walkers Chocolates HQ
Salary: £13 per hour + Overtime rates
Contract: Full-time | Permanent
Hours: Monday-Thursday (7am-7pm) & Possible Night Shift (£15 per hour)
Walkers Chocolates is looking for a proactive and people-focused Line Supervisor to join our Manufacturing team in Birmingham. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced production professional to take ownership of a key production line within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Working closely with the Shift Manager, QA and Engineering teams, you'll play a vital role in driving production efficiency, maintaining quality standards and leading a high-performing team.
If you're passionate about continuous improvement, team development and delivering operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
As Line Supervisor, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day management and performance of one of our main production lines, ensuring products are produced safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. You'll lead, coach and support production operatives while driving key operational KPIs including productivity, waste reduction, downtime reporting and right-first-time manufacturing. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills within a busy manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Production & Operational Performance
- Take overall responsibility for the performance and operation of the production line
- Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency and waste reduction
- Ensure high-quality products are consistently produced right first time
- Monitor manufacturing processes and take action to resolve operational issues quickly and effectively
- Accurately record downtime, output and production-related data
- Monitor stock levels on the line and escalate shortages where required
- Support implementation of new systems, processes and continuous improvement initiatives
- Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, supervise and motivate production line colleagues to achieve operational targets
- Plan, coordinate and supervise team activities to meet production schedules
- Drive accountability and performance across the production team
- Support colleague development through coaching, training and on-the-job guidance
- Train team members against job profiles and standard operating procedures
- Report attendance and timekeeping issues to the Shift Manager
- Quality, Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with HACCP requirements and critical control points
- Manage allergen controls and support a strong food safety culture
- Ensure operator-led QA checks are completed accurately and consistently
- Investigate quality failures and support corrective actions to reduce waste and improve efficiencies
- Maintain excellent housekeeping standards across the production area
- Health & Safety
- Promote safe working practices across the production line
- Investigate unsafe behaviours and report near misses
- Support accident investigations and implementation of corrective actions
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and safety standards at all times
What We're Looking For
Essential:
- Previous experience in a manufacturing supervisory or management role
- Experience leading teams within a fast-paced production environment
- Strong communication and people management skills
- Ability to work decisively under pressure and manage changing priorities
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to build effective working relationships across departments
- Flexible and adaptable approach to operational demands
Desirable:
- Experience within a food manufacturing environment
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate
- LEAN / Six Sigma Green Belt
- IOSH qualification or equivalent
- Strong IT skills and experience using manufacturing systems
- Experience using Sage 200
Why Join Walkers Chocolates
At Walkers Chocolates, quality, teamwork and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do. You'll join a supportive and collaborative manufacturing team where your leadership and ideas can make a genuine impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career within a growing confectionery business that values operational excellence and invests in its people. If you're ready to take the next step in your production leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.
No agencies please.
Line Supervisor in Birmingham employer: Walkers Chocolate
At Walkers Chocolates, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where quality and teamwork are paramount. As a Line Supervisor in our Birmingham HQ, you'll not only lead a dedicated team in a fast-paced manufacturing setting but also benefit from opportunities for career development and continuous improvement initiatives that truly value your contributions. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a growing confectionery business that prioritises operational excellence and invests in its people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Line Supervisor in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing industry, especially those who have experience with food production. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to team leadership and operational efficiency. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for continuous improvement during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven productivity or quality in past roles. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and fit for the Line Supervisor position.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining Walkers Chocolates and being part of our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Line Supervisor in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Line Supervisor role. Highlight your previous supervisory experience in manufacturing and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our values at Walkers Chocolates. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in productivity or quality in past roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your people management skills. We want to see how you've motivated teams, handled challenges, and contributed to a positive work environment in fast-paced settings.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walkers Chocolate
✨Know Your Production Metrics
Before the interview, brush up on key production metrics like KPIs, waste reduction, and efficiency. Be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in these areas in your previous roles. This shows you're not just familiar with the numbers but can actively contribute to operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in a fast-paced environment. Think about specific situations where you motivated your team or resolved conflicts. This will help demonstrate your people management skills and your ability to foster a positive work culture.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with HACCP requirements and food safety protocols. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles. This is crucial for a Line Supervisor position, and showing your knowledge will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's approach to continuous improvement or team development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive mindset towards contributing to the team's success.
