Production Team Manager: Lead Safety, Quality & Performance

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

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

8 bank holidays

Contributory pension up to 7.5%

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

On-site parking

Job summary

Premier Foods in Ashford is seeking a dynamic Team Manager to lead a multidisciplinary operations team on site. You will drive performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale, delivering operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role requires proven leadership in production, strong knowledge of food safety standards, and a track record in continuous improvement. Salary £42,700 to £47,000 per annum, with shift patterns Monday to Friday days and cover

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

Communication

Analytical ability

Change management

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Education

Food Safety Level 3

HACCP Level 3

Tools

SAP

Job description

Premier Foods in Ashford is seeking a dynamic Team Manager to lead a multidisciplinary operations team on site. You will drive performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale, delivering operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role requires proven leadership in production, strong knowledge of food safety standards, and a track record in continuous improvement. Salary £42,700 to £47,000 per annum, with shift patterns Monday to Friday days and cover