Job Description
Location - Ballymena (onsite role)
Working Hours - Monday to Friday - 15:00 - 23:30
?? Pilgrim's Europe
Are you an experienced people leader with a strong operational mindset? Pilgrim's Europe is seeking an Operations Team Lead to join our Stores team in Ballymena, playing a key role in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality operations in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading from the front, driving performance through people, and embedding continuous improvement across day-to-day operations.
The Role
Reporting to the Senior Supply Chain and SAP Coordinator, the Operations Team Lead will have full responsibility for managing stores operations and leading a team of operatives to meet business objectives and key performance targets. You'll be a visible leader on the shop floor, ensuring standards are met while supporting peak production requirements.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, motivate, and develop a team with clear objectives and accountability.
* Ensure accurate stock control, cycle counting, and effective stock rotation.
* Maintain product quality in line with customer specifications and company standards.
* Support internal and external audits and coordinate customer visits.
* Ensure sufficient stock availability to support service sites.
* Monitor equipment performance and liaise with maintenance as required.
* Support labour planning to optimise utilisation and reduce absence and turnover.
* Deliver against agreed Health & Safety, service level, technical, and efficiency KPIs.
* Ensure all incidents, near misses, and accidents are reported and investigated.
* Drive improvements in CSL, labour utilisation, packaging, and utilities.
* Train, coach, and motivate operatives, ensuring training matrices remain accurate and up to date.
* Complete performance reviews and provide regular, constructive feedback.
* Promote engagement and communication through daily huddles and team briefs.
* Support the deployment of lean and continuous improvement tools aligned with Profit Improvement Plans.
* Identify opportunities to reduce waste, optimise energy usage, and lower environmental impact.
* Take full responsibility for Health & Safety standards within your area.
* Ensure compliance with Pilgrim's Europe policies, statutory requirements, and safe systems of work.
* Act as a role model for safe behaviour, hygiene, and housekeeping standards.
What We're Looking For
* Strong communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
* Proven people management and leadership skills.
* Self-motivated with strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
* IT literate and comfortable working with operational systems and data.
* Management experience within an FMCG manufacturing environment.
* Food processing knowledge.
* IOSH and HACCP experience or qualifications.
* Experience delivering continuous improvement initiatives.
* SAP system experience.
* A demonstrated ability to lead and deliver sustainable change.
Why Pilgrim's Europe?
At Pilgrim's Europe, our people are at the heart of what we do. We offer a collaborative, safety-focused environment where leaders are empowered to make a real impact on performance, quality, and continuous improvement.
* Competitive salary
* 33 days annual leave including Bank Holidays
* On-site facilities - Canteen opened for late shift, free car park etc
* Pension scheme with employer contribution
* Life assurance
* Career development and Progression Opportunities within a large European business
* Ongoing training and leadership development
* Employee wellbeing initiatives, including access to support programmes
* Discounts and employee benefits platform - Help@Hand
* A strong focus on Health, Safety and wellbeing
If you're ready to take the next step in your leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.
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