At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a production line, ensuring efficiency and quality in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Walkers Chocolates, a supportive team focused on quality and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Earn £13 per hour, with overtime rates and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on teamwork and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing confectionery business while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing supervision and strong communication skills are essential.
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
- 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 employer: Walkers Chocolate
Walkers Chocolates is an exceptional employer that prioritises quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement within a supportive and collaborative manufacturing environment. As a Line Supervisor in Birmingham, you will have the opportunity to lead a high-performing team, drive operational excellence, and develop your career in a growing confectionery business that values its employees and invests in their growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Line Supervisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at Walkers Chocolates. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Walkers Chocolates and their production processes. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the company and how you can contribute to their operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and improved production efficiency in past roles. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference!
✨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 serious about joining the Walkers Chocolates team.
We think you need these skills to ace Line Supervisor
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 relevant achievements that showcase your ability to lead a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about working at Walkers Chocolates. Share specific examples of how you've driven production efficiency or improved team performance in past roles to grab our attention.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Line Supervisor, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and resolved issues in a fast-paced environment. This will help us see you in action before we even meet!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walkers Chocolate
✨Know Your Production Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key production metrics like efficiency, waste reduction, and downtime reporting. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these in past roles, as this will show your understanding of the operational side of the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your coaching and development strategies, as well as how you’ve motivated team members to achieve targets.
✨Understand Quality Standards
Brush up on HACCP requirements and food safety protocols. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain high-quality standards in production, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've resolved operational issues quickly and effectively. This will showcase your ability to think on your feet and manage challenges in a busy manufacturing environment.
