Production Team Leader

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent role

Training and development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Long-term career progression

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd. is seeking a Production Line Leader in Canterbury to oversee a packing line and guide operatives to high-quality output. The role demands hands-on leadership, strong safety focus, and a drive to improve efficiency on a busy line.

You will ensure production targets are met, support changeovers, and maintain traceability and hygiene standards across shifts, while coordinating with engineering for machine issues.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a production team in a fast-paced environment.
• Background in food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong communication and organisational abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving mindset.
• Able to work to tight targets and maintain safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of production operatives.
• Operate and oversee packing line machinery.
• Meet production and packing targets.
• Support line changeovers and minimise downtime.
• Complete production paperwork and work orders accurately.
• Monitor product quality and packing standards.
• Record waste, downtime and production data.
• Maintain product traceability and stock accuracy.
• Ensure hygiene, food safety and health & safety standards.
• Liaise with engineering teams regarding machine issues.
• Drive efficiency and continuous improvement on the line.

Skills

Line leadership

Food manufacturing

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Target-driven

Team mentoring

Problem solving

IT literacy

Job description

Production Line Leader

Location: Canterbury, Kent

Salary: £14.30 per hour (Days) | £14.80 per hour (Nights)

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

The Opportunity

A growing food manufacturing business near Canterbury is looking for an experienced Production Line Leader to join its operations team. This is a hands-on role, leading a production line and supporting operatives to ensure products are packed efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards.

You’ll play a key role in driving performance, reducing downtime and ensuring production targets are achieved whilst maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting a team of production operatives


• Operating and overseeing packing line machinery


• Ensuring production and packing targets are achieved


• Supporting line changeovers and minimising downtime


• Completing production paperwork and work orders accurately


• Monitoring product quality and packing standards


• Recording waste, downtime and production data


• Maintaining product traceability and stock accuracy


• Ensuring hygiene, food safety and health & safety standards are followed


• Liaising with engineering teams regarding machine issues


• Driving efficiency and continuous improvement across the line

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Line Leader, Senior Operative or Team Leader


• Experience within food manufacturing, FMCG or production environments


• Strong communication and organisational skills


• Good attention to detail


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet targets


• Basic IT skills and confidence completing production paperwork


• A positive, hands-on approach to leadership and problem solving

What’s On Offer

• £14.30 per hour on days


• £14.80 per hour on nights


• Permanent opportunity with a growing manufacturer


• Training and development opportunities


• Supportive working environment


• Long-term career progression prospects