Production Team Leader

Cotteswold Dairy; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy producer in Tewkesbury is seeking a Team Leader for its Production Team. This role involves leading, motivating, and training staff while ensuring efficiency and quality standards are met. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience in a production environment and strong communication skills. The position offers a pathway for personal and professional development in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a team leader in a busy production environment.
• Strong attention to detail, commitment, and motivation.
• Excellent communication skills to foster positive working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and train staff through practical instruction.
• Ensure all production records are completed accurately.
• Maintain hygiene and housekeeping standards across operations.

Skills

Team leadership experience

Knowledge of Health and Safety standards

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Flexibility

Job description

About The Role

Due to an internal promotion and an expanding workload, we are excited to recruit another Team Leader to join our busy Production Team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your career in the food sector by leading a team of people within a dynamic department. If you’re passionate about quality, safety, and customer service, this could be the perfect step for you.

Summary

Days worked: Monday - Saturday

Hours: Minimum of 37.5 hours, five shifts per week

Start Times: 0515, 1330, with finish times based on production demands

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and train staff through practical instruction, ensuring line efficiency.
• Work as part of a leadership team to uphold and exceed internal and external quality standards.
• Ensure all production records are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Report any maintenance, quality, or production issues promptly and accurately.
• Maintain high hygiene and housekeeping standards across all operations.
• Assist in fostering a safe work environment, following Health and Safety policies.
• Provide flexibility to cover various shifts, ensuring production needs are met.

Important Note: This is a physically active role and requires manual handling.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a team leader in a busy production environment.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety standards and safe working practices.
• Strong attention to detail, commitment, and motivation.
• Excellent communication skills to foster positive working relationships.
• Flexibility in covering shifts and working to tight deadlines.

Desirable

• Familiarity with food production, HACCP, and KPIs.
• Experience in the dairy or food production industry.

Training and Development

As a Training Centre with a dedicated Learning & Development Coordinator, Cotteswold Dairy offers clear progression pathways and development opportunities within the role. You’ll have the chance to broaden your skill set, gain recognized qualifications, and advance within the business. We will support you in this initial leadership role, guiding you step-by-step through your training and development.

We offer a range of progression routes for team members who excel in the Team Leader role:

• Assistant Shift Manager
• Process Technician
• Milk Planning Officer

If you are a strong communicator with high levels of commitment and a desire to lead and inspire others, we would love to hear from you.

Apply Today to join Cotteswold Dairy and take the next step in your career as a Production Team Leader!

About Us

About Cotteswold Dairy: Since 1938, Cotteswold Dairy has flourished from a modest milk round—delivering just 30 gallons a day using a bucket and ladle—into one of the UK’s most respected independent, family‑run dairies, rooted in Tewkesbury. Built on the founding values of quality, service, and cleanliness, the business has remained committed to those principles spanning three generations, now under the leadership of Managing Director George Workman.

Today, we process, pack, and deliver over 100 million litres of milk and dairy products each year to doorstep customers and businesses across England and Wales, operating from multiple depots and a modern production site in Tewkesbury.

At our heart lies a strong ethical and environmental commitment. We partner with local farms within a 60‑mile radius—many Red Tractor‑certified—promoting sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and minimal environmental impact. We’ve championed eco‑friendly initiatives for decades, including returnable glass bottles, electric milk floats, telematics for efficient logistics, and zero waste‑to‑landfill operations.

More than a business, Cotteswold Dairy is a values‑driven community dedicated to delivering wholesome, high‑quality dairy products while nurturing people, our communities, and our planet—making us a compelling and meaningful place to build your career.