Production Team Leader
Kinisla
Production Team Leader
Kinisla
Makes dairy foods and nutritional ingredients
Kinisla · Portadown, United Kingdom · Part-time · Posted 2026-06-16
Workplace: on_site
Department: Operations
We are looking for a Production Team Leader to support increasing volumes and the launch of a new production line at our Kinisla site in Portadown. This is permanent role fully concentrated on weekend role: Saturday and Sunday, 06:00–18:00 and Monday 14:30-01:00 for a total of 34.5 hours per week. You will play a key role in leading a team of operators, ensuring a safe, high-quality, and efficient production environment while driving engagement, clear communication, and continuous improvement.
• High Performing Teams
Lead and engage the team with a strong focus on problem-solving and collaboration. Build team capability through recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing performance management.
• Quality
Maintain product quality and adherence to GMP through management of the team and process to deliver agreed product specifications as defined in quality standards and policies.
• Health and Safety
Ensure a strong safety culture within the team. Conduct risk assessments on processes and tasks, implement mitigation actions, and monitor compliance with safety procedures.
• Production Operations
Support and manage the team to convert material into work in progress (WIP) or finished product by formally executing production schedule. Use short interval control to ensure standard line output is achieved.
• Document and Train Standard Work and Standard Operating Procedures
Develop and ensure compliance to SOP’s for process related manufacturing jobs / tasks in the Production Stream.
• Continuous Improvement
Continuously improve standards set by executing 8 Step Practical Problem Solving and other KPS methodologies as appropriate.
• Identify, rectify, and report production issues
Address and escalate production issues (process, equipment, quality, safety) and document them for further investigation in line with SOPs.
• Start-ups, changeovers and shift handovers
Coordinate team activities during set-ups and changeovers, and ensure clear handovers between shifts for continuity.
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:
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes
• Previous experience managing or supervising teams, with a focus on coaching and team development
• Ability to apply lean manufacturing principles and tools in day-to-day operations
• Good numerical and analytical skills to track and interpret production data
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels
• Proficiency in MS Office tools
• Fluency in English.
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:
• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Matched pension scheme
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.
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.
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.
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Kinisla makes dairy ingredients and packaged foods for food manufacturers, retailers and foodservice operators. It processes milk from Irish family farms into cheese, butter, milk powders and proteins used in everyday foods and specialist nutrition. Its consumer business sells brands including Dairygold, Charleville and Strings & Things, alongside dairy products made for retailers' own labels. The company combines milk collection and processing with product development and sells ingredients to other businesses and finished foods through consumer and foodservice channels. Kinisla traces its operating roots to 1972 and is headquartered in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland.
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