Production Team Leader — Drive Safety, Quality & Efficiency

Premier Foods; Ashford; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days leave

Pension 7.5%

Life assurance

EAP

Company shop

Cycle to Work

Free parking

Job summary

Premier Foods in Ashford, Kent is seeking a proactive Team Manager Production (Cover) to lead a multidisciplinary operations team and drive safety, quality, and performance on site.

The role requires proven leadership in manufacturing, strong knowledge of food safety standards, and a track record in continuous improvement and KPI delivery. The position is based at Ashford with permanent employment and competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Proven people leadership experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards (Food Safety Level 3, HACCP Level 3; BRCGS/ISO 22000 desirable).
• Experience applying continuous improvement tools and leading change initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical capability with an understanding of performance metrics and financial drivers.
• IT proficiency, with awareness of systems such as SAP.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development (relevant technical qualifications advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Drive a strong safety, quality, and food safety culture.
• Lead team to hit production, quality, and waste targets.
• Manage changeovers, shift handovers, and issue escalation.
• Own shift performance results and KPI delivery.
• Deliver clear daily priorities and actions.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance, standards, and system accuracy.
• Coach, develop, and manage team performance.
• Plan resources effectively to meet demand.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive site performance.

Skills

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Food Safety Level 3

HACCP Level 3

BRCGS/ISO 22000 desirable

Tools

SAP

Job description

Premier Foods in Ashford, Kent is seeking a proactive Team Manager Production (Cover) to lead a multidisciplinary operations team and drive safety, quality, and performance on site.

The role requires proven leadership in manufacturing, strong knowledge of food safety standards, and a track record in continuous improvement and KPI delivery. The position is based at Ashford with permanent employment and competitive salary.