Operations Team Leader Permanent £39,600

The Operations Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, governance and performance of their designated production area. The role holder is accountable for ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant operation of all activities within their area, delivering customer requirements whilst maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, people management and operational excellence.The Team Leader will create a culture of ownership, accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring that standards are understood, maintained and consistently achieved.

Description of Role Purpose of the role

The Operations Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, governance and performance of their designated production area. The role holder is accountable for ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant operation of all activities within their area, delivering customer requirements whilst maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, people management and operational excellence.

The Team Leader will create a culture of ownership, accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring that standards are understood, maintained and consistently achieved.

Key Accountabilities Safety Governance and Compliance

• Take ownership of Health and Safety performance within the designated area.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, procedures and legal requirements.
• Conduct safety observations, risk assessments and investigations as required.
• Challenge unsafe behaviours and take immediate corrective action where necessary.
• Promote a positive safety culture through visible leadership and engagement.

Food Safety and Quality Ownership

• Assume ownership and responsibility for food safety, legality and quality standards, driving quality culture within the production area.
• Ensure all Critical Control Points (CCPs), quality checks and production controls are completed accurately and on time.
• Verify compliance with site procedures, customer standards and BRC requirements.
• Escalate food safety, quality or compliance concerns immediately.
• Drive right first-time performance and minimise waste, rework and customer complaints.
• Maintain high standards of GMP, housekeeping and hygiene.

Operational Performance

• Deliver production plans safely, efficiently and to agreed quality standards.
• Manage labor, materials and equipment resources effectively.
• Monitor and improve key operational performance indicators including productivity, efficiency, waste and downtime.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.
• Ensure production records are completed accurately and maintained to required standards.
• Lead, motivate and develop Production Operatives.
• Create a culture of accountability, engagement and high performance.
• Conduct performance reviews, return-to-work meetings and development discussions.
• Identify training and development needs and ensure competency standards are maintained.
• Manage attendance, conduct and performance issues in line with company procedures.

Governance and Standards

• Ensure compliance with all operational procedures, policies and work instructions.
• Take ownership of area standards and ensure corrective actions are completed effectively.
• Support internal, customer and third-party audits.
• Maintain accurate operational records and documentation.
• Drive adherence to company values and behavioural expectations.
• Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Use data and operational metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Encourage team involvement in problem-solving and innovation.
• Support implementation of new processes, products and systems.

Key Performance Indicators

• Health and Safety performance
• Food Safety and Quality compliance
• Customer complaints
• Downtime reduction
• Attendance and employee engagement
• Audit outcomes
• GMP compliance standards
• Follow and uphold the company policies, procedures, and activities in place necessary to maintain the safety, quality, authenticity, and legality of the finished products manufactured and distributed for sale.

Knowledge, Competence, Experience and Qualifications Required

• Experience within a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety and quality standards.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to drive performance through effective coaching and communication.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.

Core Behaviors

• Ownership
• Accountability
• Leadership
• Integrity
• Customer Focus
• Attention to Detail
• Resilience
• Professionalism

Success in the Role

Success will be demonstrated through visible leadership, effective governance, consistent delivery of operational targets, ownership of standards, development of people and a culture where safety, quality and performance are embedded within everyday operations.