Production Group Leader at Kerry Dairy… · Ossett

About the role

The Group Leader is responsible for leading a team of operators on shift to ensure safe, efficient and quality production. The role delivers the daily production plan, resolves issues in real time, maintains compliance with safety and quality standards, and drives continuous improvement at line level. As the frontline leader, the Group Leader is a key link between operators and the Production Stream Manager.

What will I be doing?

Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure safe working practices and behaviours ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations promoting a safety-first culture
• Identify and report hazards, leading immediate corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with site H&S policies and food safety requirements (GMP, hygiene standards)
• Act as the primary on site emergency lead

Operational Delivery:

• Deliver the shift production plan while monitoring KPIs with a continuous improvement mindset
• Lead Tier 1 meetings
• Ensure labour and resources are allocated effectively, including managing conduct issues, approving holidays, and completing return to work interviews
• Complete accurate shift handovers and maintain required documentation
• Maintain accurate data on production output, downtime and team performance
• Verify raw material stock availability and resolve any issues, escalating where necessary

Quality & Food Safety:

• Maintain product quality through correct management of processes, ensuring adherence to GMP and product specifications
• Ensure operators follow SOPs, CCP checks and quality procedures
• Escalate quality issues and support first level problem solving.

People Leadership:

• Lead, coach and develop a team of operators
• Promote team culture, recognition and engagement
• Manage training compliance and ensure training matrices remain up to date
• Provide regular feedback and support a positive team culture

Continuous Improvement:

• Lead basic CI activity at line level (5S, waste reduction, standard work)
• Contribute to root cause analysis and support improvement actions
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce waste

Cross Functional Working:

• Work closely with Quality and Engineering teams to resolve issues quickly and effectively
• Communicate shift performance, risks and actions to the Production Stream Manager

What do I need to be successful?

In Kinisla we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.

These include:

Essential

• Demonstrated leadership ability in a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong understanding of production equipment and processes
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to coach, motivate and organise teams effectively

Desirable

• Basic lean manufacturing knowledge (5S, problem solving)
• Food production experience
• Awareness of HACCP, GMP or food safety standards
• IOSH Working Safely (or equivalent)

What will I get in return?

At Kinisla, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire food and nourish life. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Health Care
• Matched pension scheme
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.

About Kinisla

Kinisla is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kinisla is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 29 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kinisla employs over 1,600 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

Get in touch today!

In Kinisla we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kinisla and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kinisla employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kinisla email address or phone number. In addition, Kinisla does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kinisla will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kinisla will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kinisla name.

Please note: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kinisla terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kinisla Hiring Managers.