At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a production line, ensuring efficiency and quality in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Walkers Chocolates, a growing confectionery business focused on quality and teamwork.
- Benefits: Earn £13 per hour plus overtime, with opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous improvement and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing supervision and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
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 Yardley employer: Walkers Chocolate
Walkers Chocolates is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment where Maintenance Engineers can thrive. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while playing a vital role in maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Located at our Birmingham HQ, the company fosters a collaborative culture that values communication and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Line Supervisor in Yardley
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Walkers Chocolate, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Line Supervisor in Yardley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Walkers Chocolate specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walkers Chocolate
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Walkers Chocolate, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Walkers Chocolate value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
