Line Leader

Location: Tonbridge, Kent

Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent

Shift Pattern

7:00am – 7:00pm

Salary

• £14.07 per hour (starting rate)
• £15.70 per hour (fully trained rate)

The Opportunity

A fantastic opportunity has become available for an experienced Line Leader to join a fast-paced fresh produce operation based in Tonbridge, Kent.

This position is ideal for somebody with experience within fresh produce, food manufacturing, packing, or FMCG environments who enjoys leading teams, driving efficiencies, and maintaining high product quality standards.

You’ll be responsible for overseeing packing line operations, ensuring customer specifications are met, reducing waste, and supporting production performance across the site.

Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership

• Lead and motivate production and packing staff on shift
• Ensure staffing levels are effectively managed to maximise line efficiency
• Support training, coaching, and development of team members
• Promote high standards of behaviour, attendance, and performance
• Ensure staff follow company procedures, hygiene standards, and safe working practices
• Create a positive and productive working environment

Production & Quality

• Manage packing lines to achieve production targets and daily volumes
• Ensure all packed products meet customer specifications and quality standards
• Carry out line setup, label checks, and pre-production checks
• Minimise product and packaging waste where possible
• Monitor line speeds and workflow to maintain efficiency without damaging product
• Liaise closely with Planning, Warehouse, and Quality teams throughout production
• Ensure packing instructions, packaging, and labelling are accurate at all times
• Escalate quality or production issues quickly and effectively

Health & Safety / Food Safety

• Maintain excellent hygiene and housekeeping standards across the production area
• Ensure all staff comply with PPE, GMP, HACCP, and food safety procedures
• Promote a strong “clean as you go” culture
• Monitor safe working practices around machinery and moving equipment
• Report accidents, near misses, breakdowns, or safety concerns immediately
• Support site compliance with food safety and audit standards

Administration

• Complete production paperwork accurately and on time
• Record downtime, staffing levels, production output, and line performance
• Ensure all checks and records are completed correctly
• Update systems and production documentation where required
• Support stock movement and packing instruction processes

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience within fresh produce, food manufacturing, FMCG, or packing environments
• Experience leading teams within a production or warehouse setting
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, target-driven environment
• Good attention to detail and quality standards
• Understanding of food safety and health & safety procedures
• Positive attitude with a hands-on approach to leadership
• Flexible and reliable with a strong work ethic

Key Performance Indicators

• Production efficiency
• Product quality standards
• Waste reduction
• Audit and compliance performance
• Team productivity
• Accuracy of reporting and documentation