Operations - Advanced Team Member

Finsbury Food; Pontypool; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced Maternity Leave

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Retail discounts via Benefits Hub

Refer a Friend

Employee Recognition Awards

Learning & Development opportunities

Job summary

Finsbury Food Group, Ultrapharm site in Pontypool, is seeking an Advanced Team Member to lead a production line with focus on safety, quality and efficiency. You will coach the team, monitor performance and support line changeovers in a gluten‑free bakery environment.

Join a site dedicated to premium gluten‑free products, delivering for major retailers. The role offers development opportunities and a hands‑on leadership path in a dynamic manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Experience across multiple production lines in a food manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding of Food Safety, GMP, HACCP and quality standards.
• Capable of completing production documentation and compliance paperwork.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for day-to-day operation of assigned production line, ensuring safety, quality, output and compliance.
• Lead by example on the shop floor, coaching and motivating the team while fostering a positive environment.
• Monitor line performance, run rates, downtime and efficiency to keep production on track.
• Support changeovers, line setup and basic fault resolution with accurate records.
• Train and onboard new starters, guide agency colleagues, and ensure effective shift communication.
• Provide ASH cover one level up and one level down when required.
• Maintain food safety, health & safety, GMP, hygiene and housekeeping standards.
• Identify issues and non-conformances, supporting continuous improvement to reduce waste.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Food safety GMP

HACCP knowledge

Quality documentation

IT skills

Team coaching

Attention to detail

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advanced Team Member to join our Manufacturing team at Ultrapharm.

Finsbury Food Group is a leading speciality bakery manufacturer. We constantly raise quality and efficiency standards, and build long-term relationships with major multiple retailers and the foodservice channel. Our Ultrapharm site is a dedicated Gluten Free Bakery specialising in only Gluten Free Product since 1993. The Company’s unique approach to craft and baking creates premium gluten‑free products with the flavour and taste of traditional bread. If you have special dietary need or nutritional preferences, then our Pontypool bakery has you covered. Our Products range from artisanal bread to our award winning Hot cross buns and Mince pies for Major Retailers such as M&S and Waitrose.

This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll play a key part in keeping our production lines running safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. Working closely with the Manufacturing Advanced Team Leader you’ll support and guide your team, coordinate day‑to‑day line activities, and help deliver exceptional operational performance.

This is an exciting time to join the business as we continue to grow, invest in our people, and develop our manufacturing operation. If you’re looking to build your leadership skills and take the next step in your manufacturing career, this role offers genuine opportunities for development and progression.

This is what you’ll actually do!

• Take responsibility for the day‑to‑day operation of your assigned production line, ensuring safety, quality, output, and compliance standards are achieved.
• Lead by example on the shop floor, supporting, coaching, and motivating team members while creating a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Monitor line performance, including run rates, downtime, and efficiency, taking prompt action to keep production on track.
• Support product changeovers, line set‑up, and basic fault resolution, while ensuring all production, quality, and compliance records are completed accurately.
• Help train and onboard new starters, provide guidance to agency colleagues, and support effective communication across the shift.
• Contribute to workforce flexibility by providing ASH (Absence, Sickness & Holiday) cover one level up and one level down when required.
• Maintain the highest standards of Food Safety, Health & Safety, GMP, hygiene, and housekeeping.
• Identify and escalated any issues, hazards, or non‑conformances, while supporting continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and standardise processes across the line.

Ideally this is you!

• Experience working across multiple production lines within a food manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience leading or supporting small teams in a fast‑paced manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding of Food Safety, GMP, HACCP, and quality standards.
• Confident completing production documentation and compliance paperwork accurately.
• Mechanically minded with the ability to support line set‑up and basic fault finding.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and operational systems.
• Positive, approachable, and supportive leader who leads by example.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Committed to high standards of safety, quality, and operational performance.
• Proactive with a continuous improvement mindset and willingness to learn new skills.
• Flexible and willing to provide ASH cover to support the wider manufacturing team.

What’s in it for you?

• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees.
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families).
• Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform.
• Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependent).
• Employee Recognition Awards.
• Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in‑house development course).