Team Leader, Manufacturing ​/ Production

With two decades of experience catering everywhere from private jets to high-speed rail services, Absolute Taste is a leading name in travel catering. Our talented team delivers sensational food in the air, on rail, and on land — always with a focus on quality, creativity, and precision.

We’re now looking for a dedicated Team Leader to support our busy Travel Department and ensure the smooth, efficient running of our production operations at our state‑of‑the‑art headquarters in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Come and join an exciting, fast‑growing company that’s passionate about developing people and helping them reach their full potential.

As a Team Leader, you will play a key role in managing a team of production staff, ensuring that targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and food safety.

In this hands‑on leadership role, you’ll oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the production line, providing guidance, training, and support to your team to achieve outstanding performance. You’ll help drive operational excellence and foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

• Supervise and lead a team of employees, providing clear direction, motivation, and support.
• Set goals and objectives for the team, ensuring alignment with company standards and production targets.
• Monitor team performance and productivity, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Train, coach, and develop team members to build skills and encourage career progression.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and respectful work environment.
• Address any issues or conflicts promptly and constructively to maintain team morale.
• Act as a key point of contact between the team and management, ensuring clear communication.
• Promote and enforce compliance with food safety, quality, and health & safety standards.
• Collaborate with other departments to support smooth operational flow.
• Provide regular reports and updates to management on performance, progress, and challenges.

• Previous experience in a food production environment, ideally in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and coach others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards (preferred).
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and keen attention to detail.
• Able to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexible to work shifts and weekends as required.
• Computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with production labelling systems is an advantage.
• Relevant qualifications in food production, manufacturing, or a related field (preferred).

• 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Free onsite parking
• Company pension scheme
• Wellbeing support for all team members
• A supportive, dynamic, and growing work environment

If you’re a natural leader with a passion for excellence, teamwork, and delivering outstanding results, we’d love to hear from you.