Production Team Leader
Cuisine Centre
SmartParc SEGRO, Derby, UK
Hourly Pay Rate: £16.25
About the Role
Your role is responsible for supporting daily operations by leading the production team to ensure all stock keeping units (SKU) are prepared, packed, and dispatched accurately and on time, in line with the production plan. You need to lead your line team effectively and ensure operational targets are met. The role also requires strict adherence to schedules, food safety standards, and quality requirements, while maintaining full product traceability. Any deviations from the plan must be promptly escalated to the Production Manager.
Working Hours
40 hours per week
Monday – Friday: 07:00 – 15:30
Flexibility and occasional overtime required to meet operational demands.
Key Responsibilities
Manage production lines and ensure packing plans are always followed, leading by example to achieve daily packing targets.
Verify that the correct ingredients are packed within build guide tolerances, and maintain compliance with GMP, quality, and food safety standards.
Complete all required documentation accurately and promptly.
Ensure full product traceability through accurate recording of runtimes, date codes, and FIFO.
Maintain accurate inventory and material usage records.
Support waste reduction initiatives with all team members following correct waste handling and disposal procedures.
Maintain a safe working environment with all team members adhering to Health & Safety policies and always wearing appropriate PPE.
Ensure hygiene standards are universally met in all work areas, keeping records of all cleaning activities.
Lead, support, and motivate the line team.
Work collaboratively across departments, demonstrating flexibility to aid other operational areas.
Contribute your ideas to make continuous improvement of processes.
Communicate effectively with the Production Manager and cross-functional teams, promptly reporting any quality, stock, or production concerns.
Provide cover for the Production Manager during holidays and meetings as required.
Key Skills & Experience
Good literacy and numeracy skills.
Proficient IT skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
Flexible, proactive, and reliable.
Positive, "can-do" attitude and strong team player.
Previous experience leading or supervising a team.
Knowledge of food hygiene and quality standards.
About Cuisine Centre
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Cuisine Centre is the food production arm of the UK's largest contract catering business. We prepare millions of quality meals each year across our five meal ranges, and these are served nationwide in partnership with our clients in a variety of sectors. We are passionate about simplifying catering, whilst nourishing the nation with fresh, flavour-first food.
Our people are the secret ingredient to our success. Our dedicated team of Foodists take pride in every detail, as every meal matters. That's why we invest in you, providing opportunities to grow, build, and develop your career. We know that a happy, talented team delivers the best food.
Our Four Core Values
Be a Foodist! – We are driven by a passion for food and culinary excellence, putting care into every detail.
Do the Right Thing – We always act with integrity and honesty, because high standards create quality products.
Take Responsibility – We share responsibility for our actions on site, and the wider impact on our customers, communities, and environment.
Have Respect & Compassion – We recognise that every role helps make the dish. We put our people at the centre of everything we do.
If you're looking for a role in a growing food production business, where your work feels as good as it tastes, we'd love to hear from you.
Your Benefits
Free breakfast and lunch on shift.
Free on-site parking.
Convenient public transport links.
Perks at Work – exclusive benefits & wellbeing platform, including discounts on high-street brands and holidays.
Grow your career with development and progression opportunities.
"Pride in Every Plate" recognition scheme with prizes on offer.
Mental, physical, and financial wellbeing support.
Company pension scheme.
Free employee assistance programme.
Access to our employee networks across Compass Group UK&I. We want all our team members to feel empowered and valued to create an inclusive workplace culture.
