Night Team Leader

KPI Recruiting Ltd; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

KPI Recruiting Ltd in ST5 is seeking an experienced Night Team Leader for a large food production facility. You will lead by example on the factory floor, manage a night shift, ensure equipment runs smoothly and uphold food safety, quality, and health & safety standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership, practical problem solving, and a proactive approach to keep production targets on track while supporting a busy team during overnight hours.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a production team in a factory setting.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of health and safety in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of production operatives.
• Conduct shift briefings and communicate production priorities.
• Provide coaching and training to team members.
• Promote safety, quality, and productivity on the night shift.
• Support the Production Team Leader with day-to-day management.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Health & safety

Hands-on approach

Education

Food Safety Level 3

HACCP knowledge

IOSH Managing Safely

Job description

Location: ST5
Shift: Sunday to Thursday, 22:00 - 06:00
Pay Rate: £14.50 per hour, opvertime paid at 1.5 times - £21.75 per hour

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Night Team Leader to join our large food production facility in ST5.

This is a key operational role, responsible for supporting the smooth running of production during the night shift. You will lead by example on the factory floor, supporting the team, ensuring machinery is running efficiently, troubleshooting issues as they arise, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and health & safety.

The successful candidate will be practical, proactive, and comfortable stepping in wherever needed to keep production running smoothly and achieve daily targets.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of production operatives.
• Conduct shift briefings and communicate production priorities.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and training to team members.
• Promote a positive working culture focused on safety, quality, and productivity.
• Support the Production Team Leader with the day-to-day management of the shift.

Production & Operations

• Ensure production targets are achieved safely and efficiently.
• Monitor production performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Respond quickly to operational issues to minimise downtime.
• Complete production records and support KPI reporting.
• Assist with continuous improvement and waste reduction initiatives.

Machinery Setup & Troubleshooting

• Mount and dismount production equipment safely and efficiently.
• Set up machinery in line with production requirements.
• Carry out pre-start operational and safety checks.
• Monitor machinery performance throughout the shift.
• Diagnose and resolve minor equipment issues where possible.
• Work closely with the Engineering team to address more complex faults.
• Support changeovers and ensure equipment is production-ready at all times.

Food Safety, Quality & Health & Safety

• Ensure all food safety, hygiene, and quality standards are maintained.
• Monitor production processes to ensure products meet specification.
• Promote and enforce Health & Safety procedures at all times.
• Ensure PPE and safe working practices are followed.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the production area.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Previous experience in a food manufacturing or food production environment.
• Previous experience in a leadership, supervisory, or team leader role.
• Experience operating, setting up, and troubleshooting production machinery.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• A hands-on approach with a willingness to support the team wherever required.

Desirable

• Food Safety Level 3 qualification.
• HACCP knowledge or certification.
• Experience working within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• IOSH Managing Safely or other Health & Safety qualifications.
• Continuous improvement or lean manufacturing experience.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a large and well-established food manufacturing business where you can ma