Production Team Leader

Join Keelings! You will be part of a passionate team of people and a growing business. Come on the journey with us where you will grow and develop and truly feel a sense of belonging. At Keelings, we don't just grow quality fresh produce, we also nurture people and their professional development. The Keelings family always employ the best people for the job, the key to our success is the quality of the people we employ.

Our Strategic Priorities

Better Food -  We make our products better and inspire more people to enjoy produce.

People  - We support our people to learn, be at their best, contribute and deliver on their commitments, using One Keelings' standards.

Better Ways -  Every year we improve our competitiveness, efficiency and delivery through insight, technology and One Keelings.

Better World -  We improve our environmental and social impact to make a positive difference in our world.

Partnerships -  Working with Keelings creates value and long-term relationships with our customers & suppliers.

Growth -  We invest in and deliver insight led, focused, profitable growth into the future.

Keelings Values

People Matter -  We support and treat each other in a clear, fair and respectful way. We all learn, develop and encourage everyone to contribute

Teamwork -  We inspire and help each other to deliver our ambitions together as One Keelings

Integrity -  We do the right thing and deliver on our commitments

Passion for Achievement -  We motivate ourselves and each other to achieve our ambitions with energy, knowledge and courage. We are always striving to be better.

Purpose of the Role :

The Production Line Leader is responsible for overseeing a production line, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with Health & Safety standards. The role involves leading a team of production operatives, ensuring productivity targets are met, and maintaining accurate KBS system records. The Team Leader works closely with Quality, Planning, and Engineering teams to ensure seamless operations and high-quality output.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities :

Health & Safety Compliance : -

Ensure compliance with all health & safety training.

Promote and uphold a clean and organised workspace, following "clean as you go" policies and general manufacturing best practices (GMP).

Ensure the site is audit-ready at all times and maintain an audit-ready culture.

Ensure the correct and effective use of machinery, reporting any damage or malfunctions to the Engineering team immediately.

Enforce compliance customer specifications, ensuring all colleagues follow protocols.

Production & Quality Control :

Ensure all product quality checks are carried out and recorded correctly, working with the Quality team to meet customer specifications.

Monitor and maintain the correct use of labels, following label sign-out procedures and ensuring compliance with traceability requirements.

Ensure processes for the control of traceability and mass balance (product & packaging) are adhered to.

Responsible for the execution of production schedules and providing regular updates.

Responsible for the recording and utilisation of stock as per KBS assignment.

Operational Efficiency & Problem-Solving :

Deliver productivity and efficiency targets for the line, tracking performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Identify and resolve issues that may impact production flow, escalating complex problems to the Assistant Production and / or Production Manager when necessary.

Prepare and conduct pre-start-up checks, completing all relevant paperwork and ensuring the correct setup of the area.

People Management & Training :

Lead the line production team to achieve production targets while maintaining high quality standards.

Take ownership of people-related issues within the team, including attendance, performance concerns, and conflict resolution.

Motivate, support, and guide production operatives to maintain a high-performing and engaged team.

Conduct on-the-job training for new and existing colleagues, ensuring standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed.

Ensure compliance with company people policies and procedures, including attendance and performance expectations.

Communication & Collaboration :

Maintain open and proactive communication with teams and functions required to ensure operational priorities are met.

Provide clear instructions and guidance to production operatives and ensure smooth handovers between shifts.

Report any variances, issues, or continuous improvement opportunities to the Assistant Production Manager and / or Production Manager.

Carry out other reasonable duties as required to meet business needs.

Role Specification and Technical Competencies

Strong leadership and team motivation skills.

Knowledge of Health & Safety principles.

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Effective communication and ability to collaborate across departments.

Excellent attention to detail to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and traceability requirements.

A proactive, "can-do" attitude with a continuous improvement mindset.

Behavioural Competencies

Drive for Results

Be Responsible, Ensure Accountability

Teamwork & Collaboration

Learn to Grow

The post holder is required to understand and adhere to Keelings Values

People Matter

Teamwork

Integrity

Passion for Achievement

Recruitment Process

1. CV Submission & email acknowledgment of receipt

2. Phone Screening

3. 1st Interview

4. 2nd Interview

5. Outcome & Feedback

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you require reasonable accommodation in submitting your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please contact  recruitment_keelings@keelings.com

Keelings Careers -  https : / / www.keelings.com / careers-keelings /

Keelings Strategy & Values -  https : / / www.keelings.com / our-people

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