Production Team Leader

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

Job summary

Cotteswold Dairy seeks a Production Team Leader in Tewkesbury to lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced, high-quality food manufacturing environment. This role offers a chance to grow your career while ensuring production targets are met, and safety standards are adhered to. Enjoy competitive salaries, training opportunities, and a supportive culture focused on teamwork and development.

Benefits

22 days' holiday plus bank holiday allowance.

Refer-a-friend bonus scheme.

Cycle to work scheme.

Aviva pension scheme.

Health and wellbeing support.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Team Leader in a busy production environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Health & Safety standards.
• Excellent communication and team-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and train Production Operatives.
• Ensure team meets production targets efficiently.
• Maintain high hygiene and housekeeping standards.

Skills

Communication

Team-building

Health & Safety standards

Detail orientation

Flexibility

Job description

About The Role

Production Team Leader

Location: Tewkesbury
Hours: Minimum 37.5 hours per week – 5 shifts over 7 days (Monday to Saturday)
Start Times: 05:15 or 13:30 – finish times based on production requirements

Step Up and Lead with Cotteswold Dairy

Due to an internal promotion and an expanding workload, Cotteswold Dairy is excited to invite applications for a Production Team Leader to join our dynamic Production team. This is a fantastic opportunity to progress your career within the food manufacturing industry — leading a team in a fast-paced, high-performing environment where quality, safety, and customer service are paramount.

As a family-owned business established in 1938, we pride ourselves on supporting local farmers and delivering the freshest dairy products with first-class service. Join a company where teamwork, respect, and progression are part of everyday life.

What You’ll Be Doing as a Team Leader

• Lead, motivate and train Production Operatives through practical guidance and support
• Ensure your team meets production targets and operates efficiently
• Maintain high hygiene and housekeeping standards across all areas
• Accurately complete production and quality records
• Identify and report maintenance, quality, or production issues swiftly and accurately
• Support a safe working environment by adhering to and promoting Health & Safety standards
• Work collaboratively with the leadership team to continuously raise standards
• Offer flexibility to cover shifts as needed to support operational needs

Note: this is a physically active role involving manual handling.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Team Leader in a busy production environment
• Strong working knowledge of Health & Safety standards
• A keen eye for detail and commitment to high standards
• Excellent communication and team-building skills
• The ability to work flexibly and manage tight deadlines

Desirable Experience

• Background in food or dairy production
• Understanding of HACCP and KPI tracking
• Familiarity with food hygiene and safety protocols

Training & Career Development

We’re not just offering a job — we’re offering a pathway. As a Training Centre with a dedicated Learning & Development Coordinator, we’ll support you with structured training and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. This could be the first step on a rewarding leadership journey.

Future progression opportunities include:

• Assistant Shift Manager
• Process Technician
• Milk Planning Officer

Why Join Team Cotteswold?

At Cotteswold Dairy, our culture is built on teamwork, respect, and delivering excellence together. If you're passionate about quality, eager to lead and inspire others, and want to grow in a supportive environment, then this is the role for you.

Apply today and start the next chapter of your career with Cotteswold Dairy – at the heart of a responsible and sustainable dairy community.

About Us

Established in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy is one of the UK’s leading independent family-owned dairies.We support local farmers and communities by delivering the freshest, finest quality products and first-class customer service.

Team Cotteswold:

At Cotteswold Dairy we recognise that we will achieve far greater success working as a team,with empathetic people management and valuing each other, our staff and our customers.

The aim of ‘Team Cotteswold’ is to give a disciplined and determined effort to value everyone and everythingand as a consequence make the Company the first preference for employees and customers alike over the long term.

The Team Cotteswold Purpose:

Being at the heart of a responsible and sustainable dairy community

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with opportunities for growth and advancement.
• 22 days' holiday plus bank holiday allowance; with an additional day after 3 years of service.
• Refer-a-friend bonus scheme (up to £500).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounted products and delivery options.
• Aviva pension scheme (4% employee, 4.5% employer contributions).
• Health and wellbeing support, including cashback on health procedures, through Simply Health.