Trainee Cell Leader/First Line Manager (Preparation)

QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD; Redditch; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Earth Foods in Redditch is seeking a Trainee First Line Manager to oversee production and packing lines, lead a team of Production Chefs, Food Safety Operatives and Team Members, and ensure food safety, quality and brand integrity on the line.

You will report to the Prep Manager / QA and engage in continuous improvement while upholding GMP and health and safety standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Familiar with GMP and hygiene standards.
• Ability to complete CCP documentation.
• Strong attention to traceability and records.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production and packing lines and lead a small team.
• Ensure food safety, product quality and brand integrity.
• Perform weekly food safety audits.
• Maintain GMP and on-site SOPs.
• Report safety, quality, and equipment issues.
• Drive continuous improvement on processes.

Skills

Leadership potential

Team player

Food safety

Quality

Health and safety

Brand integrity

Problem solving

Communication

GMP

Paperwork accuracy

Job description

• Location Ocean House 9B Oxleasow Road East Moons Moat,Redditch, B98 0RE,United Kingdom
• Employee Type Full Time

Are you a motivated team player with leadership potential and a passion for quality and safety?

We are looking for hands-on Trainee First Line Managers (Trainee Cell Leaders) to oversee production and packing lines, support Team Members, and help deliver outstanding standards in food safety, product quality, and operational performance. Here at Blue Earth Foods, we care about your qualities, not your qualifications.

If you're ready to take the step in your leadership career and make a real impact within a fast-paced expanding manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Manage a Cook Prep / High Risk Prep area including a team of Production Chefs, Food Safety Operatives and Production Team Members. This role has a responsibility for food safety, product quality, health and safety and brand integrity.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Carry out duties as per company training, work instructions and standard operating procedures - do not carry out tasks you have not been trained to do.
• Work to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as outlined in your onsite induction.
• Work to good hygiene and housekeeping practices set out by the company, keeping your work area clean and tidy.
• Be aware and observant of Health & Safety regulations ensuring you have a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues.
• Report any food safety, product quality or health and safety issues observed with your direct manager or a member of the Quality Assurance (QA) Team.
• Report accidents, near misses or "don't walk by's" via your direct manager, the QR code / C Fresh App.
• Ensure all equipment you use is used correctly and returned in good condition. Report any damages or defects to your direct manager.
• Ensure product is of good quality, complete quality checks as you work including but not limited to veins, shell, freezer burn, foreign body, pack seal integrity, pack coding, etc.
• Ensure fire exits always remain clear from obstructions.
• Ensure all paperwork, traceability and Critical Control Point (CCP) paperwork is completed thoroughly and accurately.

Role specific

• Assign roles and give instructions to team members reporting to you.
• Monitor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, brand integrity and people safety for your line and your area.
• Resolve local issues independently but inform Prep Manager / Quality Assurance (QA) where necessary.
• Complete food safety audit weekly.
• Fill-in appropriate/relevant paperwork.
• Problem solve and complete route cause analysis in relation to machine breakdowns independently and determine when to contact engineering.
• Report Issues to Prep Manager effectively and in a timely manner
• Motivate and encourage members of the team to achieve targets.
• Liaise with other members of the wider team to complete role effectively; problem solve issues such as delays, ingredient shortages and equipment issues and share with Prep Manager for information
• Have a continuous improvement mindset, raise ideas and suggestions for process improvements.
• Enthusiastic approach to new products, recipes, and processes.
• Willing to help others to reach team goals by sharing best practic e

Requirements

Key accountabilites and measurables

• Contribute towards Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) score >85%
• Contribute toward Overall Completion Effectiveness (plan attainment) (OCE) of >95%
• Achieve accurate completion of paperwork and records including Critical Control Point (CCP) checks and traceability paperwork
• Ensure Critical Control Point (CCP) checks show product is within spec, raise any issues to QA /Zone Leader immediately.
• Contribute towards minimising waste and giveaway maximums by conducting your work in an effective manner.
• Raise any Health & Safety concerns with your direct manager or a member of the Health and Safety Committee.
• Uphold the company standards of food safety, product quality, brand integrity and Health and Safety.

Core values and essential criteria

It is an essential requirement that the role incumbent displays behaviours that reflect our 'Core Values' of Teamwork , Quality , Honesty and Passion

• Behaving Safely - report "Don't walk by's" and near misses
• Making food safety and product quality a priority
• Show integrity in following our rules and procedures
• Teamwork - working as part of a team to achieve team goals
• Honesty - ensuring all news travels fast - good or bad