Production Team Leader

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Production Team Leader to lead a shift team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for driving safe, efficient and high-quality production operations, while developing team capability and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

You'll play a key role in delivering operational performance, supporting employee development, resolving production challenges and ensuring standards are consistently met across safety, quality and productivity.

This position operates on a Monday to Thursday shift pattern, 14:30 to 01:00.

What will I be doing?

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing production team, fostering engagement, teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with Health & Safety standards, conducting risk assessments and implementing corrective actions.
• Deliver safe, high-quality products while driving operational performance against key KPIs, including ATP, OEE, PPM and waste reduction targets.
• Execute production schedules effectively, ensuring materials are converted into WIP and finished goods in line with standard work and output targets.
• Develop, maintain and train employees on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring consistent adherence to manufacturing standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles, 8-Step Practical Problem Solving and other improvement methodologies.
• Monitor production performance, quality, equipment effectiveness and process reliability, identifying and resolving issues to minimise downtime and maximise efficiency.
• Manage shift handovers, changeovers, staffing requirements and quality control activities to ensure safe, efficient and uninterrupted production operations.

What do I need to be successful?

At 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

• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment, including experience leading or supervising a team.
• Strong written, verbal and numerical communication skills, with fluency in English.
• Ability to record, interpret and analyse production and process performance data.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing processes, machinery and operational best practices.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing principles and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, including the use of structured problem-solving techniques (e.g. 8-Step Problem Solving).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and process standardisation activities.
• Strong leadership, coaching and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence others, adapt to change and deliver results to deadlines.

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

• 17 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Matched pension scheme up to 10%
• 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 1,700 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!

At 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.

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.