Graduate Operations / Team Leader Location: Haydock, Merseyside Type: Full-Time | 3-Shift Rotation (Monday to Friday) Salary: £32,974 Excellent Benefits Take your step into leadership. Own your shift. Make an impact. Are you a graduate or industrial placement student ready to lead a team? Aimia Foods is looking for a hands-on, people-focused Graduate Operations / Team Leader to manage production, motivate teams, and drive performance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Whether you’ve worked in food, pharma, retail or another process-led sector, if you're proactive, ready to challenge the norm and make things happen – this is the role for you. What You’ll Do ✅ Lead the Shift Take full responsibility for your shift Manage a team of operatives Handle admin, training, planning and labour management ✅ Drive Safety & Quality Promote “safety-first, quality-always” Lead GMP standards and risk controls Investigate incidents and support QA ✅ Build & Develop Your Team Run 1-to-1s, coach and mentor Use tools like RTWs and capability processes Keep training records and skill matrices up to date ✅ Get Stuck In Be a visible, hands-on leader Support your team in a manual production environment Follow and improve processes to boost performance ✅ Track & Improve Performance Monitor KPIs (OEE, waste, downtime) Spot issues early and escalate Lead improvement projects and drive efficiency ✅ Communicate & Collaborate Run shift briefs and keep your team aligned Work closely with Shift Managers and other departments Be the go-to person on your shift What You’ll Bring A degree or relevant qualification (e.g. in operations, food science, business, engineering) Experience in a graduate role or industrial placement (preferably food, pharma, retail, FMCG) Strong communication and people skills Confident using initiative and challenging the status quo Comfortable in manual, fast-paced environments Process-driven, highly efficient and keen to lead by example Why Join Aimia Foods? We’re a collaborative, values-led business that invests in its people. You’ll get real responsibility, leadership experience, and support to grow your career. Benefits Snapshot: Holiday Homes in Devon, Windermere & Spain Health Cash Plans & Gym Discounts ️ Subsidised Canteen Meals Recognition Schemes & Paid Leave Rewards Learning & Development Investment Staff Shop – Discounts on our products Festive Gifts & Celebration Events Career Progression Opportunities Holiday Buy Back Scheme Supportive Team Culture Apply today and take your next step into a leadership career with Aimia Foods. This vacancy is managed by Discovery. By applying, you agree to be contacted regarding this role and similar opportunities. Full privacy details are on our website. Due to high application volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.