Manufacturing Advanced Team Lead

Finsbury Food; Pontypool; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Pontypool is seeking a Manufacturing Advanced Team Leader. The role involves leading a manufacturing shift, ensuring safe and efficient production while supporting team development. Candidates should have experience in a food manufacturing environment, knowledge of food safety, and strong leadership skills. This position offers enhanced benefits, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth within the organization.

Benefits

Enhanced maternity & paternity leave

Enhanced pension scheme

Free Employee Assistance Programme

Retail discounts via Benefits Hub

Employee Recognition Awards

Extensive Learning & Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experienced in leading teams in fast-paced food or FMCG environments.
• Knowledgeable in food safety, quality, and health & safety standards.
• Skilled in coaching and engaging team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift operations, ensuring production meets targets.
• Support adherence to SOPs, GMP, hygiene, and PPE standards.
• Coach and develop team members for optimal performance.

Skills

Leading teams in food manufacturing

Food safety knowledge

Coaching and performance management

Continuous improvement techniques

Basic mechanical aptitude

MS Office skills

Resilience

Education

Grade C or above in English & Maths GCSE or equivalent

IOSH Supervising Safely qualification

Level 2 Food Safety qualification

Job description

About the Role

We have a new opportunity for a Manufacturing Advanced Team Leader (MATL) within our Manufacturing team in our Pontypool site as part of the Finsbury Food Group.

As a MATL, you will lead and support the operational delivery of a manufacturing shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality production. You will support the Manufacturing Shift Lead (MSL) in developing a motivated, skilled, and engaged team, driving manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement while maintaining compliance and operational performance.

About the Site

Ultrapharm is a dedicated gluten‑free bakery specialising in gluten‑free products since 1993. The site crafts premium gluten‑free products with the flavour and taste of traditional bread. Products include artisanal bread, hot‑cross buns and mince pies for major retailers such as M&S and Waitrose.

Part of the Role

We are committed to investing in our leaders. As part of this role, you will undertake a professionally recognised leadership development programme, fully funded by the Welsh Government to develop advanced leadership skills, broaden impact, and strengthen your career pathway within the organisation.

To be successful, you will be…

• Lead, motivate, and develop your shift team to achieve operational KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People).
• Support safe, efficient, and high‑quality production across the shift.
• Coach and develop team members, driving engagement and performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Communicate effectively across shifts and departments to ensure smooth operations.

This is what you’ll actually do:

• Lead and support shift operations, ensuring production meets targets.
• Drive adherence to SOPs, GMP, hygiene, and PPE standards.
• Support line set‑up and minor mechanical adjustments, and changeovers to optimise efficiency.
• Monitor performance, identify deviations, and take corrective actions.
• Maintain Health, Safety, and Food Safety compliance; support audits and inspections.
• Apply Lean principles and root‑cause problem solving for continuous improvement.
• Deputise for the Manufacturing Shift Lead during absences, providing full shift leadership coverage.

Ideally, this is you:

• Experienced in leading teams in a fast‑paced food or FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Knowledgeable in food safety, quality, and H&S standards.
• Skilled in coaching, performance management, and engaging teams.
• Competent in continuous‑improvement techniques (A3, 5 Whys, SIC reviews).
• Basic mechanical or technical aptitude to support line efficiency.
• Strong IT skills (MS Office; manufacturing systems advantageous).
• IOSH Supervising Safely and Level 2 Food Safety qualified or willing to achieve.
• Resilient, adaptable, and committed to delivering high standards of operational performance.
• Grade C or above in English & Maths GCSE level or equivalent.

What’s in it for you?

• Enhanced maternity & paternity leave.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families).
• Retail discounts via Benefits Hub platform.
• Employee Recognition Awards and extensive Learning & Development opportunities.
• Opportunity to be part of a growing organisation. Find more on LinkedIn.