Production Team Leader

About Keelings

Keelings is a growing fresh produce business that places equal emphasis on product quality and the development of its people. The company aims to create a workplace where employees can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel part of a supportive team.

Strategic priorities

• Better Food: Improve products and encourage more people to enjoy fresh produce.
• People: Help employees learn, perform at their best, and deliver on commitments through One Keelings standards.
• Better Ways: Strengthen competitiveness, efficiency, and delivery each year through insight, technology, and One Keelings.
• Better World: Reduce environmental and social impact and contribute positively to the wider world.
• Partnerships: Build long-term value with customers and suppliers through collaborative working.
• Growth: Invest in insight-led, focused, and profitable growth for the future.

Keelings values

• People Matter: Treat others fairly and respectfully, and encourage everyone to learn, develop, and contribute.
• Teamwork: Work together as One Keelings to achieve shared goals.
• Integrity: Do the right thing and follow through on commitments.
• Passion for Achievement: Bring energy, knowledge, and courage to continuously improve and reach ambitions.

Role overview

The Production Line Leader is accountable for running a production line efficiently while maintaining quality standards and full compliance with health and safety requirements. This position leads production operatives, supports output targets, keeps KBS records accurate, and works closely with Quality, Planning, and Engineering to keep operations running smoothly.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure all health and safety training and site safety expectations are followed.
• Maintain a tidy, organised work area and apply clean-as-you-go and GMP practices.
• Keep the site audit-ready at all times and promote an audit-ready mindset across the team.
• Use machinery correctly and report damage or breakdowns to Engineering without delay.
• Make sure customer specifications are followed by all team members.
• Carry out and record product quality checks accurately, working with Quality to meet required standards.
• Control label usage through the correct sign-out process and protect traceability compliance.
• Follow procedures for traceability and mass balance across product and packaging.
• Deliver the production schedule and provide regular progress updates.
• Record and manage stock usage in line with KBS assignment requirements.
• Track productivity and efficiency against KPIs and work to meet line targets.
• Identify production issues early, resolve what you can, and escalate larger problems to senior production management when needed.
• Complete pre-start checks, prepare paperwork, and ensure the area is set up correctly before production begins.
• Lead the line team to achieve output goals while protecting quality.
• Handle team matters such as attendance, performance concerns, and conflict resolution.
• Support, motivate, and coach production operatives to build an engaged and high-performing team.
• Train new and existing colleagues on the job and ensure SOPs are followed.
• Apply company people policies consistently, including attendance and performance expectations.
• Communicate clearly with all relevant teams to keep operations aligned with priorities.
• Give concise instructions to operatives and ensure smooth shift handovers.
• Flag variances, issues, and improvement opportunities to production management.
• Take on other reasonable duties as needed to support the business.

Competencies and working style

• Strong ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Sound understanding of health and safety principles.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to stay effective under pressure.
• Clear communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, especially around quality, safety, and traceability.
• A proactive, hands-on attitude with a continuous improvement focus.

Behavioural expectations

• Drive results.
• Take responsibility and ensure accountability.
• Work well in teams and collaborate effectively.
• Keep learning and growing.

Recruitment process

• CV submission followed by email confirmation of receipt.
• Phone screening.
• First interview.
• Second interview.
• Outcome and feedback.

Inclusion and diversity

Keelings welcomes applicants from all cultures and backgrounds. The company aims to build a diverse, inclusive workplace where colleagues can share their experiences and feel a real sense of belonging.

Reasonable accommodation

If you need support with submitting your application, attending interviews, completing pre-employment testing, or taking part in any other stage of recruitment, you can contact the recruitment team at recruitment_keelings@keelings.com.

Additional information

This opportunity is based in Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland, and is a full-time, on-site role.

Keelings also shares more information about its careers, strategy, and values through its corporate careers resources.