Production Group Leader

Production Group Leader (Days)

Kinisla · Coleraine, United Kingdom · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-06

Workplace: on_site

Department: Manufacturing

Description

About the Role

The Production Group Leader will lead a cross-functional team to deliver the goals of the Production Stream, ensuring strong performance across safety, quality, people, cost and operational efficiency. They will develop a high-performing team, drive continuous improvement and work collaboratively across functions to improve processes, solve problems and deliver against production targets. This role is working days, Monday-Friday.

What will I be doing?

• Lead, develop and engage a high-performing Production Stream team, including performance management, talent development, succession planning, training and employee relations.
• Develop and deliver the Production Stream strategy, ensuring key activities and objectives are achieved on time and within budget.
• Manage and improve manufacturing conversion performance and costs, driving standardisation and operational efficiency across the Production Stream.
• Lead continuous improvement through structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8 Step Practical Problem Solving, while coaching teams to embed sustainable improvements.
• Plan and optimise labour and resources in line with production requirements, ensuring appropriate skills, flexibility and coverage.
• Monitor and improve OEE and process reliability, identifying bottlenecks, performance gaps and opportunities through analysis of key operational data.
• Maintain high standards across quality, GMP, Health & Safety and environmental compliance, ensuring risks and operational issues are effectively managed and escalated where required.
• Support and deliver key operational and improvement projects, working cross-functionally on initiatives including capital investment, NPD and wider Production Stream projects.

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:

• Proven experience leading and developing multifunctional teams within a fast-paced manufacturing or process environment.
• Strong written, verbal and numerical skills, with good analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.
• Ability to use structured problem-solving techniques, including 8 Step Practical Problem Solving, and experience standardising processes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and align Production Stream strategy with wider site and business objectives, across both short and medium-term priorities.
• Strong track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver operational and business objectives.
• Effective leader and communicator with strong coaching, influencing and relationship-building skills, and the ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Proactive, flexible and improvement-focused, with the ability to challenge the status quo, adapt to change and deliver to deadlines, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office.

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 ways to inspire and lead the evolution of dairy, food and nutrition. 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)
• 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 1,700 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 and leads the evolution of dairy, food and nutrition. 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.

Apply

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