Lead Operative (Production)
| Posting date: | 05 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 September 2025 |
| Location: | Paddock Wood, Tonbridge |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Thanet Earth |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
In the role of Lead Operative in the Production Department you will be responsible for management and performance of a designated production line, ensuring all aspects of Production are in accordance with compliance, quality standards and departmental KPIs.
Other responsibilities include:
Supervise the shift team and relevant non-shift personnel working in Production.
Closely supervise and carry out inductions for any temporary staff employed in Production.
Participate in the daily Production huddles and ensure regular communication/briefings to provide the Production team with the relevant information to carry out their role to the maximum effect.
Carry out training as necessary in Production procedures, working practices and Company policy.
Suggest and help implement any cost-saving ideas or improvements
Comply with all relevant company policies & procedures and customer standards, including but not limited to Health & Safety, Food Safety, Integrity & Quality and Equality & Diversity.
Maintain a high level of quality with a focus on zero defects.
Carry out QA checks and complete relevant documentation.
Key Skills & Knowledge:
Experience working on a food production line.
Skilled in prioritising tasks, using initiative, and proactive problem solving.
Excellent communication skills; effective at multiple organisational levels.
Capable of holding others accountable while maintaining positive relationships; able to give clear instructions to diverse groups.
Supports shift managers, coaches and supports team members, promptly addresses issues.
Confident, reliable, accurate, self-motivated, inquisitive, and proficient in IT.
A Day In The Life…
“Start your day with a team huddle, where you’ll share updates and set the day's goals. As a Lead Operative, you keep a close eye on your team, welcome new staff, and ensure the production plan runs smoothly. Quality is your top priority, so you perform QA checks and make sure products are handled safely. Throughout the shift, you stay on top of hygiene and safety, tackle any issues, and suggest improvements. By the end of your shift, you leave everything in great shape for the next day. Your dedication to health and safety shines through, making each day a chance to lead and inspire.”
Other responsibilities include:
Supervise the shift team and relevant non-shift personnel working in Production.
Closely supervise and carry out inductions for any temporary staff employed in Production.
Participate in the daily Production huddles and ensure regular communication/briefings to provide the Production team with the relevant information to carry out their role to the maximum effect.
Carry out training as necessary in Production procedures, working practices and Company policy.
Suggest and help implement any cost-saving ideas or improvements
Comply with all relevant company policies & procedures and customer standards, including but not limited to Health & Safety, Food Safety, Integrity & Quality and Equality & Diversity.
Maintain a high level of quality with a focus on zero defects.
Carry out QA checks and complete relevant documentation.
Key Skills & Knowledge:
Experience working on a food production line.
Skilled in prioritising tasks, using initiative, and proactive problem solving.
Excellent communication skills; effective at multiple organisational levels.
Capable of holding others accountable while maintaining positive relationships; able to give clear instructions to diverse groups.
Supports shift managers, coaches and supports team members, promptly addresses issues.
Confident, reliable, accurate, self-motivated, inquisitive, and proficient in IT.
A Day In The Life…
“Start your day with a team huddle, where you’ll share updates and set the day's goals. As a Lead Operative, you keep a close eye on your team, welcome new staff, and ensure the production plan runs smoothly. Quality is your top priority, so you perform QA checks and make sure products are handled safely. Throughout the shift, you stay on top of hygiene and safety, tackle any issues, and suggest improvements. By the end of your shift, you leave everything in great shape for the next day. Your dedication to health and safety shines through, making each day a chance to lead and inspire.”
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.