Production Team Leader – Food Manufacturing

Production Team Leader – Food Manufacturing

Company: Mextrade Ltd Location: Sutton, Surrey (SM3 9PF) Salary: £30,000 per annum Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Working Days: Monday to Thursday Working Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (40 paid hours per week, including a 30-minute paid break each day)

Enjoy a 4-day working week with Friday, Saturday and Sunday off!

About Mextrade

Mextrade Ltd is a growing UK-based food manufacturing and distribution company specialising in authentic Mexican food products.

We manufacture fresh corn tortillas at our production facility in Surrey and supply restaurants, foodservice businesses and retail customers throughout the UK.

We are looking for a motivated, reliable and hands-on Production Team Leader to join our team and help us maintain high standards of quality, efficiency and food safety.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in food manufacturing who wants to develop their leadership skills and grow into a Production Manager role as our business expands.

The Role

As Production Team Leader, you will oversee daily production activities, organise and support production staff, and ensure manufacturing targets are achieved safely and efficiently.

You will work closely with the Managing Director, initially learning our specialist production processes and gradually taking greater responsibility for the daily operation of our manufacturing facility.

We are looking for someone who leads by example, takes initiative and is happy to work directly alongside the production team when required.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations

• Organise and coordinate daily production activities.
• Ensure production schedules and targets are achieved.
• Monitor product quality and consistency throughout manufacturing.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure raw materials and packaging are available for production.
• Maintain a clean, organised and efficient production environment.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, motivate and support production operatives.
• Allocate daily tasks and monitor team performance.
• Train staff in production procedures and safe working practices.
• Promote teamwork, accountability and good communication.
• Assist directly with production whenever required.

Food Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and HACCP procedures.
• Monitor product quality and report any issues.
• Maintain accurate production, cleaning and quality records.
• Ensure correct labelling, batch traceability and stock rotation.
• Support continuous improvements in quality and safety.

Machinery & Equipment

• Ensure machinery is operated safely and correctly.
• Carry out routine equipment checks.
• Identify equipment faults and report maintenance requirements.
• Support preventative maintenance and help minimise downtime.

Reporting & Improvement

• Report production performance and operational issues to management.
• Monitor production waste and efficiency.
• Support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Take increasing responsibility for production planning and day-to-day operations.

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working in food manufacturing or food production.
• Experience leading, supervising or training a production team.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety practices.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Good communication and leadership skills.
• A practical, hands-on approach.
• Reliability, attention to detail and a positive attitude.

Desirable

• Food Safety Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
• Knowledge of HACCP procedures.
• Experience in bakery, bread, flatbread or fresh food manufacturing.
• Experience operating food manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with production scheduling and waste reduction.

Previous experience manufacturing tortillas is NOT required. Full training in our specialist production processes will be provided.

What We Offer

• £30,000 annual salary.
• 4-day working week – Monday to Thursday.
• 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, including a paid 30-minute daily break.
• Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.
• Permanent, full-time employment.
• Workplace pension.
• Statutory paid annual leave.
• Training in our specialist manufacturing processes.
• Opportunity for professional growth and increased responsibility.
• Potential career progression to Production Manager.
• The opportunity to contribute to the growth of an established specialist food business.

Career Development

At Mextrade, we believe in developing our people and promoting from within.

We are looking for someone who wants more than just a job. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn our manufacturing processes, develop their leadership abilities and gradually take greater responsibility for production operations.

For the right person, this role offers a genuine opportunity to progress into a Production Manager position as the company grows, subject to performance and business requirements.

Apply Now

If you have experience in food manufacturing, enjoy leading a team and are looking for an opportunity to grow your career, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply with your CV outlining your relevant production and leadership experience.

Join Mextrade and become part of a growing food manufacturing business!

Pay: From £30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person