Ford Farm, Ashley Chase Estate, have been perfecting the art of traditional cheese making for over forty years though the recipes and methods go back much further – over 600 years in fact. We believe it’s the dedication to these time-honoured traditions that make Ford Farm Cheddars some of the finest in the world.
We currently have a vacancy in our Packing Department for a full time Production Line Leader. The position works 42.5 hours per week from January to June and 45 hours per week from July to December.
The Line Leader is responsible for a specific line or area of production and leading the team within it.
Responsible for a specific line or area and management of the teams to maintain normal production running conditions using logical reasoning and decision making to operate and adjust production equipment as per the company’s standard operating procedures (SOP’s). To achieve product that is within internal and external specifications and within critical control points (CCP’s)
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities; As per Band C Operative plus;
- Able to undertake and support any area of production as required using knowledge and skills of operating processes, equipment and quality systems
- Support team members to improve job knowledge and pass on information between shifts and departments as required and raise performance issues with team members to the Supervisor
- Taking samples from the process and using equipment and/or systems to monitor and record results, on relevant systems to meet the company’s Audit Compliance and
- Manufacturing Monitoring Systems
- Monitor and plan production equipment availability to maintain normal running conditions. Adjusting settings to meet specifications. If further support is required, refer technical issues to Technical Operative and/or Supervisor for resolution
- Fully accountable for KPI delivery and improvements in quality and performance, and service levels
- Work within all company policies and procedures, including Health & Safety and Food Safety Standards and ensuring the team as a whole are also following the set standards. Raising quality and safety near-miss incidentsFood Safety, Authenticity, Legality and Quality Standards.
- Identifying and suggesting ideas for continuous improvement and participating in problem solving and improvement activities
- To carry out any other work or task determined to be within your level of competence, to meet the needs of the business.
- Working within all company policies and procedures, including Health and Safety,
Essential:
- 4 GCSE’s at Grade 4/5 of which
- English Language, English Literature and Mathematics are required
- Competent in use of computers
- Knowledge and experience gained in operating within a food manufacturing environment
- Forklift Certificate (for relevant areas)
- Food Hygiene – Level 2 and 3
- Manual Handling
Desirable:
- Awareness of LEAN principles environment
- Competent in using Microsoft software packages
- People Management Training
- Able to work in a role that has and Mathematics are required. physical demands
Skills/Aptitude:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Maintains constructive relationships with team members across departments
- Proficient in the use of all working processes and equipment for the area / department
- Methodical and good attention to detail
- Analyses and resolves issues, knowing when to refer to a senior for advice
- Make decisions using available resources and sound judgement
Core Values / Behaviours:
INTEGRITY:
- Sets example to others through positive behaviours and good engagement
- Open, honest and calm – even under pressure
- Respect diversity and be open minded
- Caring and Empathetic towards others
- Trustworthy and reliable with good moral standards – doing the right thing, even when no-one is looking
RESPONSIBILITY:
- Embrace change with an open mind
- Adaptable & Polite
- Proud to respect our environment, our resources and our community
- Apply a Quality & Safety Mindset at all times and challenge others who don’t.
- Take Personal Ownership of issues
- Ambition to exceed personal and team goals
- Driver of your own self-development
COLLABORATION:
- Contribute to the team goals and effectively communicate in a timely manner.
- Freedom to speak up and challenge appropriately
- Flexibility to work across different teams and functions
- Accountability for personal & team performance through KPI delivery
- Innovate, adapt and reduce all forms of waste, guided by data and experience
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £14.08 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 06/07/2025