Advanced Team Lead

Location: Ultrapharm Ltd, Pontypool Shift: 4 on 4 off, 6am-6pm Salary: Competitive We are looking for a Advanced Team Lead (ATL), to join our team at Ultrapharm bakery in Pontypool, part of the Finsbury Food Group, to support our safe, high-quality, and efficient food production operation. Ultrapharm is a dedicated gluten-free bakery, specialising exclusively in gluten-free products since 1993.

Our craft-led approach creates premium products with the flavour and texture of traditional bakery goods, supplying major UK retailers including Marks & Spencer and Waitrose. Working closely with the Manufacturing Shift Lead (MSL), you’ll help lead, motivate and develop colleagues to deliver safe, high-quality and efficient production.

You’ll be a visible presence on the shop floor, supporting your team to achieve daily performance targets while maintaining high standards of Health & Safety, Food Safety, Quality and housekeeping. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys working with people, solving problems and making sure things get done.

You’ll have the opportunity to build your leadership skills, develop your understanding of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, and take the next step in your career. This is what you’ll actually do! As an Advanced Team Leader, you’ll supervise and support your team to deliver Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and People targets.

You’ll lead by example, coach and develop colleagues, support new starter training and make sure the team follows the right standards and procedures. You’ll work closely with the MSL to manage labour effectively, respond to changing production plans and keep daily production on track. You’ll use Leader Standard Work and take part in Short Interval Control meetings to monitor performance and identify and resolve issues, while maintaining high standards of Health & Safety, Food Safety and Quality.

Communication is key in this role. You will keep colleagues informed and engaged through team huddles, briefs and shift handovers, ensuring everyone is aligned and the production plan is delivered effectively. You will work closely with the MSL to address people-related issues and support a positive, high-performing team environment.

You will also contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance safety, quality, efficiency and ways of working across the operation. Ideally this is you! Previous experience of working in a fast-paced manufacturing, production or similar environment. Experience of supervising, supporting or leading a team is desirable.

A genuine interest in developing and supporting people to achieve their best. Good understanding of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements. Level 2 Food Safety and IOSH Supervising Safely, or willingness to achieve these qualifications. Willingness to complete the FDQ Level 2 Diploma for Proficiency in Food Industry Team Leading, which is a mandatory qualification for this role.

The company will provide support to help you achieve this. Good problem-solving skills and an interest in understanding the root cause of issues. Comfortable working to set targets, deadlines and production requirements. Good attention to detail and able to follow procedures and instructions consistently. Confident using IT systems, with training and support provided for site-specific systems.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across a diverse workforce. Organised and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Able to work independently, use your own initiative and contribute effectively as part of a wider team. What's in it for you?

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival! Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees. Death in Service Benefit. Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families). Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform! Company shop available at certain sites (heavily discounted, yummy products!)

Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&Cs dependent). Employee Recognition Awards. Extensive Learning & Development opportunities, including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in-house development courses. Training and support to develop your Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement skills.

Opportunities to deputise for the Manufacturing Shift Lead and develop your leadership experience. A clear career development route towards the People Manufacturing Shift Lead role. Opportunities to visit other Finsbury Foods bakeries and share best practice. An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation.

Head over to our LinkedIn page to find out more!