Team Manager

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

This job is with Premier Foods, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

Job Title Team Manager Production (Cover)

Location Ashford, Kent, TN24 0LU

Salary £42,700 to £47,000 p.a. relevant to experience

Shifts Monday - Friday day hours & holiday and sickness cover across 3 shifts - 37.5 hours per week - Permanent

Here at Premier Foods, we are Leading the Way within the food manufacturing industry, home to some of the UK’s most iconic brands including Bisto, Paxo and Batchelors. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Team Manager to lead a multidisciplinary operations team at our Ashford site. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role, driving performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Performance, and Morale (SQDCPM).

You will be responsible for delivering operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and high engagement. Where people and performance matter.

Key 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

About You

We are looking for a proactive leader who can inspire high performance and drive results.

You will have:

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 and evidence of applying continuous improvement tools and leading change initiatives

Evidenced 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

A commitment to ongoing professional development (relevant technical qualifications advantageous)

What Success Looks Like

Strong safety, quality, and compliance performance with risks proactively managed

Consistent delivery against production targets and operational KPIs

Effective use of SIC and structured problem-solving to drive performance improvements

Tangible reductions in waste and inefficiency

Engaged, capable, and well-supported teams delivering sustained results

Why Join Us?

Competitive salary and shift allowances

Opportunity to lead and shape operational performance

A culture focused on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Career development within a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Benefits and Perks

25 day’s annual leave and 8 bank holidays

Contributory pension up to 7.5%, plus life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and occupational health support

Company shop

Cycle to Work scheme

Free on‑site parking and strong transport links

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.