Production Team Leader

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

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment is seeking a Production Line Leader near Canterbury, Kent. This hands-on role leads a packing line and supports operatives to pack safely and to high quality standards.

You will drive performance, minimise downtime and uphold strict food safety and hygiene standards, with opportunities for training and long-term career progression in a growing food manufacturer.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Line Leader or Team Leader in manufacturing.
• Experience in FMCG or production environments.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet targets.

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.

Skills

Line leadership

Team coordination

Food manufacturing knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

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