Production Lead

TipTopJob; Telford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy is looking for a Production Lead based in Telford. In this role, you will oversee daily production plans and drive continuous improvement in a high-pressure food manufacturing environment. Ideal candidates will have relevant industry experience and proven leadership skills. Responsibilities include monitoring product quality, managing workflows, and supporting operator performance. This position offers a salary range of £50,000 to £52,750 per annum based on skills and experience.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within the food manufacturing / packaging industry.
• Experience in a high-pressure, fast-moving manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, GMP) – desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production plans to ensure all resources are in place.
• Develop strategies to manage order flow and resolve issues.
• Analyse performance data to drive improvements.
• Troubleshoot ongoing production challenges.
• Monitor product quality and line efficiency.
• Chair development meetings and manage line changeovers.
• Plan and oversee effective cleaning processes.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership skills

Organisation

Time-management

Multi-tasking

Collaborative mindset

Job description

Overview

Production Lead: Food Manufacturing

Location: Telford

Salary: A GBP 50,000 – A GBP 52,750 per annum (depending on skills and experience)

Shift Pattern: 39.5 hours per week, Mon–Thu 8:30am–5:00pm, Fri 8:30am–4:30pm

Are you a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure manufacturing environment, with experience in the Food Manufacturing / Food Packaging / FMCG sector? This role is to join our dynamic team, driving performance, solving problems, and supporting continuous improvement across automated production lines.

The hiring manager would prefer someone with experience in the food manufacturing sector, and we are looking for someone who lives within a 25-mile radius of Telford (Shropshire).

This will be a 2-stage interview process, with the first stage consisting of a numeracy and literacy assessment on site in Telford, Shropshire.

This role would be a great fit for someone who has previously worked as a Production Manager, Shift Manager, Senior Production Manager, Production Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager within the Food Manufacturing Industry.

What Youll Do

• Oversee daily production plans to ensure all resources, materials, and equipment are in place.
• Develop strategies to manage order flow and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Analyse short-term performance data (24–72 hours) to drive improvements.
• Troubleshoot ongoing production challenges and escalate where needed.
• Monitor product quality and line efficiency, implementing targeted improvements.
• Chair development meetings, support product trials, and manage line changeovers.
• Oversee planned equipment maintenance and ensure machinery is operating optimally.
• Support operator performance, offering coaching, training, and development.
• Write and update SOPs, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Provide technical assistance during major breakdowns.
• Plan and oversee effective cleaning processes for product quality and hygiene.

What Were Looking For In a Production Lead

• Previous experience within the food manufacturing / packaging industry.
• Experience in a high-pressure, fast-moving manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to develop logical, effective solutions.
• Proven leadership skills and a passion for developing teams.
• Excellent organisation, time-management, and multi-tasking abilities.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, GMP) – desirable but not essential.

Job Location

This exciting opportunity is based in Telford (Shropshire).

Apply / Additional Information

If you are a Production Manager, Shift Manager, Senior Production Manager, Production Operations Manager or Manufacturing Manager with previous Food Manufacturing Industry experience and you are seeking a new job, this could be the right role for you. Apply now to take the next step in your manufacturing leadership career.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.

In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.