Production Team Leader

Mason James Appointments (UK) Ltd; Headcorn; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Production Supervisor for a dynamic food and drink manufacturing operation in Headcorn, United Kingdom. This role involves overseeing a team of Production Operatives while ensuring safety, quality, and production targets are met. Ideal candidates will have at least 2 years of supervisory experience in a similar environment, a good understanding of HACCP and food safety, and the ability to lead by example. Salary progression is clear, with opportunities for development within the company.

Benefits

Weekday rotating shifts

Salary progression after probation

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years experience in food, drink, FMCG or similar manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, allergens, and food safety requirements.
• Proven experience leading or supervising a production team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the team to hit daily safety, quality, and production targets.
• Deliver clear shift briefs and manage effective handovers.
• Drive continuous improvement using lean tools.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Planning

Numerical Skills

Tools

MS Office

Production Reporting Systems

Job description

Production Supervisor - Food/Drink Manufacturing

Shifts: Weekly Rotating - 7am-3pm / 3pm-11pm, Monday to Friday

Salary: £31,037, rising to £34,141 after 6-month probation

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

A great opportunity for an experienced Production Supervisor or Senior Team Leader to join a fast‑paced food & beverage manufacturing environment. You'll support the Shift Manager, lead the production team, and ensure daily targets are achieved safely and efficiently.

The Role

Reporting to the Shift Manager, you'll oversee a team of Production Operatives, ensuring people, materials, and processes are in place to deliver the production plan. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you'll be visible on the shop floor, driving standards and supporting continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support your team to hit daily safety, quality, and production targets.
• Deliver clear shift briefs and ensure accurate start‑up checks and documentation.
• Manage effective handovers with the incoming Supervisor/Manager.
• Monitor performance against plan, flagging downtime or issues promptly.
• Log maintenance defects and coordinate with Engineering to minimise disruption.
• Coach, motivate, and multiskill team members; support training and development.
• Complete end‑of‑shift reports and ensure accurate data is captured.
• Drive continuous improvement using lean tools and team‑based problem‑solving.
• Support investigations, underperformance management, and staff reviews.

About You

• At least 2 years' experience in food, drink, FMCG or similar manufacturing.
• Good understanding of HACCP, allergens, GMP and food safety requirements.
• Proven experience leading or supervising a production team.
• Strong communicator with the ability to motivate and challenge.
• Good planning, coordination, and numerical skills.
• Confident using MS Office and production reporting systems.
• Resilient, proactive, and leads by example.

Why Apply?

• Monday‑Friday rotating shifts with no weekends.
• Clear salary progression: £31,037 → £34,141 after probation.
• Supportive leadership role with real influence on performance and standards.
• Strong development opportunities within a continuous improvement culture.

If you're a capable Production Supervisor or an experienced Team Leader looking for a step up, apply today to find out more.