Operations Team Lead

Pilgrim's Europe; Greater London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is seeking an Operations Team Lead at our Craigavon site to manage a team of production operatives and meet KPIs across safety, quality, and service.

You will drive continuous improvement, embed Lean principles, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high performance and staff development.

Qualifications

• Proven people management experience or leadership role in production.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Comfortable with KPIs, quality standards and technical documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and engage your production team to deliver results in a safe, efficient and high-performing environment.
• Own and drive key performance metrics: safety, technical compliance, production efficiency, labour utilisation, and customer service.
• Proactively manage and improve standards for food safety, quality, and hygiene.
• Carry out investigations, audits, and performance reviews to ensure accountability and excellence.
• Collaborate with Technical, Engineering, HR, and Planning departments to share best practices.
• Promote a positive, inclusive working environment and continuous development across the team.

Skills

People management

Leadership experience

Communication

KPI and data awareness

Self-motivated

Education

GCSE Maths & English

HACCP & Health & Safety qualifications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ready to lead with purpose and make a real impact? Join Pilgrim's Europe as an Operations Team Lead at our Craigavon site, and take the next step in your leadership journey with one of the UK's leading food manufacturing companies

Location : Craigavon

Various Shifts Available : Monday to Friday - Evening Shift - 16:00 - 00:00

Contract Type : Permanent, Full-time, Monthly Paid

About the Role

As an Operations Team Lead, you'll be at the heart of our production operations — managing a team of production operatives and ensuring that performance targets across safety, quality, technical, service, and people management are met and exceeded. You'll play a key role in delivering our KPIs and supporting continuous improvement across the site.

What You'll Do

• Lead and engage your production team to deliver results in a safe, efficient and high-performing environment
• Own and drive key performance metrics: safety, technical compliance, production efficiency, labour utilisation, and customer service
• Proactively manage and improve standards for food safety, quality, and hygiene
• Carry out investigations, audits, and performance reviews to ensure a culture of accountability and excellence
• Collaborate cross-functionally with departments like Technical, Engineering, HR, and Planning
• Champion a positive, inclusive working environment, promoting communication, engagement, and continuous development
• Support and embed Continuous Improvement and Lean principles across your team

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Proven people management experience OR experience in a supervisory/leadership role within production
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Comfortable working with KPIs, quality standards, and technical documentation
• Computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Self-motivated with a hands-on, proactive approach

Desirable

• Background in FMCG or food manufacturing
• HACCP and Health & Safety qualifications
• Experience leading or supporting continuous improvement initiatives
• Leadership or management qualifications
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C or above or equivalent)

Why Join Us

At Pilgrim's Europe, your growth is our priority. We believe in rewarding talent, supporting development, and fostering a culture where every voice is heard:

• Career development and training opportunities
• Inclusive and supportive culture - a collaborative workplace where your wellbeing and ideas matter
• Be part of a stable, well-established business that's a key player in the food industry
• Innovation at scale - work with continuous improvement tools
• Join a business committed to reducing its environmental impact and building a better sustainable future
• Competitive salary and benefits
• The chance to be part of a business that values safety, integrity, respect, and innovation

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