Production Team Leader - Northamptonshire

Job Title: Production Team Leader

Hourly Rate: £15phr plus £1.25phr bonus

Location: Long Buckby
Shift: Monday to Friday – Min 40hrs per week
Employment Type: Permanent

Job Purpose

The Production Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality handling, drying, cleaning, storage, and dispatch of product. The role involves leading a small team, coordinating processing equipment, maintaining standards of hygiene and safety, and supporting smooth seasonal throughput.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily product intake, drying, cleaning, storage, and out loading operations.
• Lead, allocate, and support the work of operators.
• Ensure accurate weighing, sampling, testing, and recording of product to quality standards.
• Operate and monitor machinery safely (dryers, conveyors, elevators, cleaners).
• Maintain stock control records and assist with inventory checks.
• Oversee routine cleaning, maintenance, and hygiene in line with site standards and assurance schemes (e.g. TASCC, UFAS).
• Monitor and manage pest control procedures on site.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, environmental, and quality policies.
• Support breakdown response, minor repairs, and liaise with maintenance teams as needed.
• Provide clear communication to team members and management on daily plans and issues.
• Help train new or seasonal staff in safe and effective operations.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Leadership and team management abilities.
• Ideally an understanding of storage, drying, cleaning and handling processes.
• Practical, hands-on approach to machinery operation and minor maintenance.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Knowledge of quality assurance, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Good communication skills with ability to give clear instructions.
• Computer-literate for basic stock recording, weighbridge, or management systems.

Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience in food or agricultural plant operations ideally but not essential.
• Experience leading or supervising a small team preferred.
• Certificates or training in forklift/telehandler operation an advantage but not essential.
• Basic mechanical skills or knowledge of plant machinery an advantage.

Typical Working Conditions

• Working in a processing plant with machinery, intake pits, silos and in the surrounding area
• Active role requiring lifting, climbing, and machinery operation.