Operations Team Lead

The Vacancy
Ready to lead with purpose and make a real impact? Join Pilgrim's Europe as an Operations Team Lead at our Craigavon site, and take the next step in your leadership journey with one of the UK's leading food manufacturing companies
Location: Craigavon
Various Shifts Available: Monday to Friday - Evening Shift - 16:00 - 00:00
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time, Monthly Paid
About the Role
As an Operations Team Lead, you'll be at the heart of our production operations - managing a team of production operatives and ensuring that performance targets across safety, quality, technical, service, and people management are met and exceeded. You'll play a key role in delivering our KPIs and supporting continuous improvement across the site.
What You'll Do:

• Lead and engage your production team to deliver results in a safe, efficient and high-performing environment
• Own and drive key performance metrics: safety, technical compliance, production efficiency, labour utilisation, and customer service
• Proactively manage and improve standards for food safety, quality, and hygiene
• Carry out investigations, audits, and performance reviews to ensure a culture of accountability and excellence
• Collaborate cross-functionally with departments like Technical, Engineering, HR, and Planning
• Champion a positive, inclusive working environment, promoting communication, engagement, and continuous development
• Support and embed Continuous Improvement and Lean principles across your team

What We're Looking For:
Essential:

• Proven people management experience OR experience in a supervisory/leadership role within production
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Comfortable working with KPIs, quality standards, and technical documentation
• Computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Self-motivated with a hands-on, proactive approach

Desirable :

• Background in FMCG or food manufacturing
• HACCP and Health & Safety qualifications
• Experience leading or supporting continuous improvement initiatives
• Leadership or management qualifications
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C or above or equivalent)

Why Join Us?
At Pilgrim's Europe, your growth is our priority. We believe in rewarding talent, supporting development, and fostering a culture where every voice is heard:

• Career development and training opportunities
• Inclusive and supportive culture - a collaborative workplace where your wellbeing and ideas matter
• Be part of a stable, well-established business that's a key player in the food industry
• Innovation at scale - work with continuous improvement tools
• Join a business committed to reducing its environmental impact and building a better sustainable future
• Competitive salary and benefits
• The chance to be part of a business that values safety, integrity, respect, and innovation

Ready to Apply?
If you're ready to lead a team, influence real change, and grow your career in an essential industry, we want to hear from you.
Apply now and be part of something bigger.
Our Story
Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.
Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products.
Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.
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