Production Team Leader

The Oval Partnership; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oval Partnership is seeking an experienced Production Team Leader to join the Peterborough site, leading shift operations and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

You will coach staff, drive Lean improvements, ensure quality and safety, and collaborate with engineering, planning and quality to meet customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory role within manufacturing / FMCG.
• Experience with automated production processes.
• Strong people management, coaching and communication skills.
• Proactive continuous improvement mindset.
• Analytical skills with production data and KPIs.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office.
• Organised and able to prioritise in a fast-moving environment.
• Flexible, hands-on leadership attitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop production teams to meet targets.
• Ensure products are manufactured to quality, food safety and customer standards.
• Monitor production performance and identify efficiency improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean principles.
• Manage labour and resources to meet schedules and objectives.
• Track KPIs such as productivity, waste and equipment performance.
• Promote accountability and a culture of improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, planning and quality to meet customer requirements.
• Maintain GMP and housekeeping standards in production areas.
• Support safety procedures and incident investigations.

Skills

People leadership

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Communication

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Education

Continuous Improvement qualifications

IOSH Health & Safety

HACCP Level 2

Tools

SAP

Infor M3

Job description

Production Team Leader (3 shift-pattern, early's. afternoons. and lates)

Our client is a well-established food manufacturer supplying high-quality products to customers across the UK. Operating within a fast-paced production environment, they are committed to maintaining exceptional quality standards, investing in their people, and driving continuous improvement across their operations.

Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an experienced Production Team Leader to join their Peterborough site and play a key role in leading shift operations and developing high-performing teams.

Role Overview

As a Production Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading a team within a busy manufacturing environment, ensuring production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Working closely with the Production Shift Manager, you will oversee day-to-day operations, coach and develop your team, promote a positive safety culture, and identify opportunities to improve productivity and operational performance.

This role operates on a rotating three-shift pattern:

• 6:00am - 2:00pm


• 2:00pm - 10:00pm


• 10:00pm - 6:00am

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop production teams to consistently achieve production targets.


• Ensure products are manufactured in line with quality, food safety and customer standards.


• Monitor production performance, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste and maximise output.


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles and best practice.


• Manage labour and resources effectively to meet production schedules and business objectives.


• Monitor key operational metrics including productivity, waste, labour efficiency and equipment performance.


• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement across the team.


• Work collaboratively with engineering, planning, quality and other departments to ensure customer requirements are met.


• Maintain excellent housekeeping and GMP standards throughout the production area.


• Ensure all health and safety procedures are followed, promoting a safe working environment at all times.


• Support incident investigations, implement corrective actions and encourage proactive reporting of near misses.


• Coach and develop team members, identifying training needs and supporting individual development.

Requirements

We're looking for an experienced leader who enjoys developing people and driving operational excellence.

• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience within a manufacturing or FMCG environment.


• Experience working with automated production processes.


• Strong people management, coaching and communication skills.


• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and problem solving.


• Good analytical skills with the ability to use production data and KPIs to improve performance.


• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing methodologies.


• Competent IT skills including Microsoft Office.


• The ability to remain organised and prioritise effectively in a fast-moving environment.


• A flexible, positive attitude with a hands-on approach to leadership.

Qualifications

• Continuous Improvement qualifications.


• IOSH or other Health & Safety certification.


• HACCP Level 2.


• Experience using ERP systems such as SAP or Infor M3.