Job Title: Team Leader
Reports to: Area Manager
Location: Chessington, Surrey (KT9)
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Shift Pattern: 4 on, 4 off (Day Shift)
Hours: 07:00 - 19:00
About the Role
Hawk3 Talent Solutions are working with a well-established and growing food production business to recruit an experienced Team Leader. This is a key position within the production operation, responsible for leading teams to deliver high-quality, safe, and legally compliant products to both retail and foodservice customers.
You will play a critical role in executing production plans, managing resources efficiently, and driving team performance while supporting continuous improvement across the operation.
Key Responsibilities
As a Team Leader, you will oversee the day-to-day running of production teams, with a focus on Safety, People, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SPQDC):
Safety
Ensure a safe working environment for all employees and agency staff
Take immediate action in response to any accidents or incidents
People
Lead, develop, and coach a multi-skilled team
Drive performance and build capability for future growth
Foster a positive, proactive team culture
Quality
Ensure the production of safe, legal, and high-quality food products
Promote a culture of compliance and continuous improvement
Reduce non-conformances and drive process enhancements
Delivery
Deliver against production plans and customer service KPIs
Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities
Cost
Manage labour, yield, and line efficiencies
Support cost control initiatives and operational improvements
Additional Accountabilities
Maintain a strong commitment to food safety and compliance standards
Attend and contribute to daily/weekly operational meetings, sharing KPIs and escalating issues
Ensure effective shift handovers with clear communication of priorities
Work cross-functionally with Technical, Engineering, Hygiene, and Supply Chain teams
Ensure production areas are fully operational within the first 15 minutes of shift
Oversee all factory activities including intake, production, assembly, and dispatch
Promote high standards in GMP, Food Safety, Quality, and Health & Safety
Ensure the site remains audit-ready at all times
Plan and allocate labour effectively, including agency staff, overtime, and absence management
Lead team performance, address underperformance, and implement training and development plans
Skills & Experience Required
Proven leadership experience (minimum 2 years managing small teams)
Experience within an FMCG environment, ideally food production
Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Strong people management skills with the ability to motivate and engage teams
Experience working with chilled and/or ambient products (advantageous)
Benefits
20 days holiday (including bank holidays), increasing annually up to 25 days
Company pension (5% employee / 3% employer contribution)
Life assurance (3x annual salary)
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work scheme
Childcare voucher scheme
Staff product discount
Free refreshments on site
On-site parking
Referral programme
Sports & Social activities
Location & Accessibility
The site is based in Chessington (KT9) with good public transport links and local bus routes within walking distance