Job Title: Team Leader
Reports to: Area Manager
Location: Chessington, Surrey (KT9)
Salary: Up to A GBP 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 and 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 and 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 and Social activities
Location and Accessibility
The site is based in Chessington (KT9) with good public transport links and local bus routes within walking distance.