Overview
Operations Team Leader – Food Manufacturing
Location: Rainham, Essex | Salary: £50,000 + Comprehensive benefits
Shifts: Monday to Friday on a rotational basis / Flexible to the needs of the team / business / individual. Operations are from 6am – 10pm; 39-40 hours per week.
YOU WILL NEED TO BE A CAR DRIVER FOR THIS ROLE BASED ON THE LOCATION OF THE MANUFACTURING SITE.
PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU HAVE INDEFINITE RIGHTS IN PLACE TO WORK IN THE UK WITH NO NEED FOR SPONSORSHIP.
About the Opportunity: Our client, a leading Food Manufacturer, is recruiting for an Operations Team Leader at their state-of-the-art milling facility in Rainham. We’re looking for an experienced people manager to lead milling and production operations and drive continuous improvement in this hands-on leadership role. This position offers excellent career progression opportunities, with clear succession planning pathways to Mill Manager level for the right candidate.
The Role
As Operations Team Leader / Supervisor, you’ll lead a dedicated team of millers and intake operatives, taking full responsibility for milling operations including intake, milling, and bran outloading. You’ll be the key decision-maker for your shift, driving performance improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and develop a team of mill operatives across all milling activities
* Drive performance improvements in Quality, OEE, and safety metrics
* Manage contractor relationships and ensure safe working practices
* Report on KPIs and operational performance to senior management
* Lead continuous improvement initiatives and embed lean manufacturing principles
* Ensure 100% compliance with HACCP, BRC standards, and food safety requirements
* Manage shift resources, training plans, and holiday coverage
* Coordinate with cross-functional teams to optimize mill performance
Working Pattern & Benefits
Our client offers flexible working arrangements; Monday to Friday to suit business needs.
Company Benefits
* Holidays: 25 days (increasing to 28 days with service)
* Additional Leave: Up to 10 extra days for long service milestones
* Pension: Group personal pension with 4% company contribution
* Life Cover: 3 x salary paid to your nominated beneficiary
* Maternity Pay: Occupational maternity pay plus SMP
* Accident Cover: Disability compensation payment
* Health & Wellbeing: BUPA & BUPA cash plan (individual or family)
* Recognition: Employee Star Award
* Lunches & Drinks: Free lunch every day (valued at £700) + free drinks
* Social: Heavily subsidised sports & social events + annual company BBQ
* Annual Flu Vaccination: Provided for all employees
Additional Benefits
* Call-out system with time off in lieu or additional compensation
* Comprehensive training and development programs
* Professional qualifications funded (NEBOSH, IOSH, First Aid, Fire Marshal)
* Clear progression pathway to Mill Manager role
* Additional allowances for safety leadership roles
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience
* Minimum 5 years in people management roles
* Strong leadership experience in manufacturing environment (Food / FMCG preferred, manufacturing experience essential)
* Experience in food manufacturing highly preferred
* Data-driven approach with strong analytical skills
Desirable Qualifications
* Degree or NVQ qualification in manufacturing/engineering
* Counterbalance forklift license (training provided if expired)
* NEBOSH or IOSH safety certification (training available)
* Experience with MRP and SCADA systems
* Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement training
* First Aid and Fire Marshal qualifications
Personal Qualities
* Self-driven with positive mindset
* Embraces diversity and equality
* Strong attention to detail and quality focus
* Excellent communication and training skills
* Progressive outlook with direct leadership style
Ready to take the next step in your manufacturing leadership career? We’d love to hear from you.
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