Manufacturing Team Leader

We are looking for an experienced Manufacturing Team Leader to join a growing manufacturing operation in Surrey.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced production professional with a background in food manufacturing, brewing, fermentation, beverage production, dairy, biotechnology or other process manufacturing environments.

The successful candidate will lead a small manufacturing team and play an important role in day-to-day production, process improvement and the continued development of manufacturing operations.

Pharmaceutical experience is not required.

As Manufacturing Team Leader, you will provide day-to-day leadership to a small production team, ensuring manufacturing activities are completed safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.

You will be a hands‑on leader, supporting production activities while providing direction, technical guidance and support to the wider team.

• Lead and supervise a small team of up to 2-3 Manufacturing Operators
• Coordinate daily production activities and allocate work
• Ensure manufacturing schedules and production targets are achieved
• Operate and oversee manufacturing and process equipment
• Support fermentation, media preparation and manufacturing activities
• Ensure equipment is prepared, operated and cleaned correctly
• Monitor production performance, quality and process compliance
• Ensure production records and documentation are completed accurately
• Provide technical guidance and support to team members
• Train, coach and develop less experienced manufacturing personnel
• Identify and resolve day‑to‑day operational issues
• Support equipment troubleshooting and process investigations
• Maintain high standards of health and safety, hygiene and contamination control
• Ensure procedures and quality standards are followed
• Support GMP and other relevant manufacturing requirements
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement
• Promote a positive culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement

The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum 3 years' manufacturing experience
• Previous experience as a Team Leader, Supervisor or Senior Operator
• Strong background in production or process manufacturing
• Experience with in food, brewing, fermentation, beverage, dairy, biotechnology or similar environments
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and process control
• Strong health and safety awareness
• Experience working to quality systems and documented procedures
• Proven leadership and communication skills
• Experience supporting, training or mentoring a small team
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• A hands‑on and proactive approach to manufacturing
• Flexibility to work evenings, nights and weekends

• Up to £25 per hour, depending on experience
• Initial 3-month fixed-term contract
• Potential for extension or permanent opportunities
• Opportunity to develop your leadership experience within a regulated manufacturing environment
• Hands‑on role with genuine responsibility
• Support and training provided

If you're an experienced Manufacturing Team Leader, Production Supervisor or Senior Production Operator looking for your next opportunity, we'd like to hear from you.