Production Lead

Pioneer Selection Ltd; Telford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing firm in Telford seeks an experienced Production Lead to manage daily operations, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has proven leadership and a strong background in manufacturing. This role offers a competitive salary of £45,000–£50,000 and excellent benefits including 5 weeks of holiday and a chance to work with state-of-the-art production technology.

Benefits

Competitive salary

5 weeks holiday + 8 Bank Holidays

State-of-the-art production technology

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a manufacturing environment (food/FMCG preferred).
• Strong production troubleshooting and decision-making skills.
• Comfortable leading projects and taking ownership of performance outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations, ensuring resource and equipment readiness.
• Analyse performance data to drive efficiency and eliminate waste.
• Troubleshoot equipment and production issues.
• Mentor operators and support their development.
• Lead continuous improvement projects.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing

Production troubleshooting

Analysing performance metrics

Cross-functional collaboration

Project leadership

Continuous improvement mindset

Job description

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Are you a hands-on leader with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for operational excellence? We’re hiring a Production Lead for a high-performing food manufacturing site that’s driving innovation with world-class automation and next-gen production lines.

In this pivotal role, you’ll oversee fast-paced, high-pressure operations – balancing daily production plans, troubleshooting issues on the fly, and spearheading continuous improvement initiatives. If you thrive on solving problems, leading from the front, and working with cutting-edge technology, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

What You’ll Do:

Lead daily production operations, ensuring resource and equipment readiness.

Analyse performance data (24–72 hrs) to drive efficiency and eliminate waste.

Troubleshoot equipment and production issues, keeping lines running smoothly.

Champion quality, safety, and compliance across all processes.

Chair development meetings, support new product trials and changeovers.

Mentor operators and support their development through ongoing training.

Lead and support continuous improvement and waste reduction projects.

Ensure SOPs, hygiene, and safety standards are consistently met.

What You’ll Need:

Proven leadership in a manufacturing environment (food/FMCG preferred).

Strong production troubleshooting and decision-making skills.

Confidence in analysing performance metrics and data trends.

Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, production, and NPD teams.

Comfortable leading projects and taking ownership of performance outcomes.

A drive to improve, innovate, and never accept “good enough.”

What’s in It for You:

£45,000–£50,000 salary (based on experience)

40 hours/week | Monday–Friday | Flexibility built in

5 weeks holiday + 8 Bank Holidays (after first year)

Work with state-of-the-art, automated production lines – among the most advanced in the world

Join a company with a strong culture built around Determination, Quality, Integrity, and Teamwork