Team Leader

Spider Web Recruitment; Colchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company is seeking a Packhouse Team Leader in Colchester. You will manage the packhouse team, oversee potato processing, and maintain compliance with quality standards. Candidates should have at least 2 years of food industry experience and strong leadership skills. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and benefits including overtime and holiday leave.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

5 weeks annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Free on-site parking

Pension

Discounted products

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in the food industry, preferably in potato production.
• Strong understanding of BRC standards.
• Food handling training required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the potato manufacturing unit and washroom to meet quality standards.
• Supervise washing, packing, labelling, and storage processes.
• Lead the packhouse team and deliver training on processes and requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Quality control

Flexibility

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Team Leader/ Packhouse Team Leader - Spider is advertising on behalf of a leading food production company for an experienced Packhouse Team Leader to join their production operation on a full‑time, permanent basis. This role is office and production floor‑based at the company site north of Colchester, Essex.

Why them:

This well‑established food production business specialises in high‑quality potato processing, from washing to packing. With a strong focus on quality, compliance, and operational efficiency, they encourage a supportive, team‑focused environment where staff can develop and grow with the business.

Fantastic company benefits include:

• Competitive Salary: £15 per hour for 40 hours, with paid overtime at £17 per hour for hours over 40
• Holiday: 5 weeks annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Free on‑site parking
• Employee extras: Pension, discounted products + more

About the role

As Packhouse Team Leader, you will oversee the potato manufacturing unit and washroom, ensuring all production from washing to packing meets strict quality and operational standards. You will work closely with the Packhouse Production Operations Manager to manage daily production, supervise the team, maintain staffing efficiency, minimise wastage, and ensure compliance with Health & Safety and BRC standards. The role is a full‑time position, starting at 6am, with a contracted 45 hours per week and paid overtime for any hours worked over 40, with team members typically working around 50 hours per week depending on the season.

Main responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure incoming raw materials meet quality and variety standards
• Supervise washing, packing, labelling, palletising, and storage of finished product
• Lead the packhouse team, delivering training to ensure understanding of processes and requirements
• Maintain staffing levels and ensure efficient use of resources
• Monitor Health & Safety and compliance standards throughout production
• Work collaboratively with other Team Leaders to maximise efficiency and cost‑effectiveness
• Support problem‑solving and rapid response to production issues as they arise

About you

As Packhouse Team Leader, you will be a highly motivated and hands‑on leader, with excellent people skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels. You will have a minimum of 2 years' experience in the food industry, ideally with a potato production background, and a strong understanding of BRC standards. You are calm under pressure, flexible with working hours, and able to adapt to an evolving operational environment. Strong computer skills (Excel, Word) and food handling training are required.

If you have the relevant skills and experience for this Packhouse Team Leader role and would like to be considered, please apply by forwarding an up‑to‑date CV as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.