At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate production teams to achieve daily targets in a fast-paced bakery environment.
- Company: Join Wenzel’s the Bakers, a family-founded bakery known for quality and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, supportive work culture, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with potential for career growth and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Previous supervisory experience in production, ideally within food production.
The predicted salary is between 27300 - 27300 £ per year.
Reporting to: Production Shift Manager
Salary: £27,300 per annum (37.5 hours paid - 40 hours contract)
About Us – Wenzel’s the Bakers
Wenzel’s the Bakers is a fast-growing, family-founded bakery business with a strong reputation for quality, freshness, and excellent customer service. We take pride in producing freshly baked products every day, supported by dedicated teams across our bakeries, production sites, and retail stores. We are passionate about our people and believe our success comes from teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. At Wenzel’s, we are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment where colleagues can develop, grow, and build long-term careers.
Job Purpose
The Production Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of production teams, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations. The role focuses on people management, compliance, operational control, and continuous improvement, while supporting the Production Shift Manager in achieving business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership & Performance
- Supervise, support, and motivate production operatives to achieve daily production targets.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and on-the-job guidance to develop team capability and performance.
- Monitor attendance, timekeeping, and conduct, addressing issues in line with company procedures.
- Participate in staff appraisals, performance reviews, and development planning.
- Act as a role model, demonstrating company values and professional behaviour at all times.
- Health, Safety & Environment
- Ensure all production activities are carried out safely and in compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Maintain a safe working environment, particularly around PPT, machinery, and cold storage areas.
- Challenge unsafe behaviours and elevate risks or incidents promptly.
- Take responsibility for personal health and safety and that of others within the production area.
- Quality, Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all products meet required quality, food safety, and legal standards.
- Carry out routine quality checks and support audits and inspections as required.
- Participate in quality review meetings and implement corrective actions within own area of responsibility.
- Ensure adherence to company procedures, policies, and statutory requirements.
- Operational Control & Continuous Improvement
- Support the Production Shift Manager in delivering production plans efficiently and effectively.
- Monitor waste levels and contribute to initiatives aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency.
- Report production issues, concerns, or deviations promptly and accurately.
- Work collaboratively with other departments (e.g. Technical, Engineering, Logistics) to support business outcomes.
- Communication & Reporting
- Communicate daily priorities, performance updates, and operational changes to production teams.
- Attend operational or departmental meetings as required and feed back relevant information to teams.
- Escalate performance, quality, or staffing issues appropriately.
- Cover & Flexibility
- Assume responsibility for the Production Shift Manager role when required, ensuring continuity of operations.
- Be flexible to support other sites or attend off-site meetings when necessary.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties aligned with the role and business needs.
Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Previous experience in a production or manufacturing supervisory role, ideally within food production.
- Experience working in a BRCGS or SALSA accredited environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage people effectively.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to give clear instructions and feedback.
- Experience supporting staff appraisals and managing performance.
- Understanding of disciplinary and absence management procedures.
- Good emotional intelligence and ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Desirable
- Food safety or health and safety qualifications.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Ability to undertake manual handling tasks.
- Comfortable working daily in cold storage conditions.
- High level of alertness when working around moving machinery and PPT equipment.
Training & Development
- Participate in all mandatory training and personal development activities.
- Actively seek opportunities to improve own skills and knowledge.
Next Steps
If you feel you are the right fit for Wenzel’s, please click “Apply Now” to be directed to our recruitment portal and follow the application steps provided. Wenzel’s the Bakers is an equal opportunities employer and actively encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Production Supervisor in Watford employer: Wenzels
Wenzel’s is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With benefits like free meals, generous holiday entitlement, and a comprehensive training programme, we empower our Shop Supervisors to thrive in their roles while enjoying a supportive environment. Join us in creating memorable customer experiences in our expanding network of shops across the North-West and Greater London, where your passion for food and service can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Supervisor in Watford
✨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 Wenzels, 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 Production Supervisor in Watford
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 Wenzels 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 Wenzels
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Wenzels, 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 Wenzels 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.