Food Production Team Leader

Meriden Media; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Meriden Media is seeking a Team Leader in Food Production for night shifts in a busy kitchen environment. You will lead the kitchen team, ensure meals meet quality standards, and maintain safe, efficient operations across production lines.

Role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and solid knowledge of HACCP and food hygiene. Expect a fast-paced setting with 12-hour nights and opportunities to take on additional shifts as overtime.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising a kitchen or high-volume production.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Solid understanding of food safety and HACCP.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Experience training and guiding team members.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the kitchen team and manage daily production.
• Ensure meals meet recipes, specs, batch standards and HACCP logs.
• Plan production schedules and coordinate staffing and stock needs.
• Oversee stock rotation and inventory accuracy.
• Maintain high health, safety and cleanliness standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Food hygiene

High-volume production

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene

Job description

Team Leader in Food Production - Nights

• Rainham (RM13)
• £38,000 PA
• Permanent
• 4 on 3 off, 12 hour shift 6pm-6am (12 hours pay per shift)
• Lots of opportunities to work additional shifts on overtime (flat rate).
• The role is to start immediately

About the Role

As a Kitchen Supervisor, you will lead and support the day-to-day operations of our kitchen operation.

You'll be responsible for supervising the kitchen team, ensuring all food is prepared to the highest quality standards, and maintaining a safe, efficient, and well- organised working environment.

This role is essential in helping us deliver consistently exceptional meals at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Supervise and support the kitchen team throughout daily production
• Allocate tasks, manage workflow, and ensure production targets are met
• Train, coach, and onboard new staff members
• Promote a positive, collaborative working environment

Quality Control & Food Standards

• Ensure all meals are prepared according to recipes, specifications, and batch standards
• Maintain exceptional product quality, portion consistency, and presentation
• Oversee HACCP documentation, temperature checks, and compliance logs
• Uphold food safety, allergen, hygiene, and sanitation procedures always

Operational Management

• Plan and organise production schedules in line with daily and weekly targets
• Communicate clearly with management regarding staffing, stock, or operational needs
• Assist with prep, cooking, and assembly tasks when required
• Ensure equipment is clean, safe, and functioning; report any faults promptly

Stock & Resource Management

• Oversee stock rotation and accurate ingredient usage (FIFO)
• Monitor inventory and notify management of shortages or wastage
• Ensure ingredients are stored correctly and safely

Health, Safety & Cleanliness

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across all work areas
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Support internal audits and inspections

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience in a supervisory, senior kitchen, or high-volume production environment
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Solid understanding of food hygiene, safety, and compliance processes
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Confidence in training and guiding team members

Desired

• Experience in food manufacturing or central production kitchens
• Level 3 Food Hygiene or willingness to train
• Experience working with batch sheets, SOPs, or production planning

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, organised, and solution-focused
• Strong sense of ownership and responsibility
• Supportive team leader with a hands-on attitude
• Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing priorities
• Passion for quality and consistency

Working Environment

• High-volume, fast-paced kitchen production environment
• Standing for long periods
• Working with hot equipment and temperature-controlled areas