Team Leader

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

Job summary

A well-established food production firm in Colchester is seeking a motivated Packhouse Team Leader. This full-time role involves overseeing potato processing, ensuring quality standards, training the team, and maintaining compliance with Health & Safety and BRC standards. The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of industry experience and strong leadership skills. You will work around 50 hours per week, with competitive hourly wages and additional benefits.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

5 weeks annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Free on-site parking

Pension and discounted products

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in the food industry.
• Understanding of BRC standards required.
• Food handling training is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee potato manufacturing unit and washroom.
• Supervise washing, packing, and storage of finished product.
• Lead packhouse team and deliver training.
• Monitor Health & Safety and compliance standards.
• Work collaboratively with other Team Leaders.

Skills

People skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Flexibility

Calm under pressure

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

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.

Benefits:

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Application

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.