Overview
Address: Mamhilad, Wales, GB, NP4 0JJ
Operational Support Shift Lead
Location: Ultrapharm, Pontypool
Shift: Weekdays
We have a new opportunity for an Operational Support Shift Lead (OSSL – Hygiene) within our Operational Support – Hygiene team in our Pontypool site as part of the Finsbury Food Group.
As an OSSL, you will lead, manage, and develop the operational support and hygiene teams to deliver shift-level performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. You will ensure the site hygiene, GMP, and operational support functions are delivered safely, efficiently, and consistently, supporting the production of high-quality products while maintaining compliance with all regulatory and customer standards. This role champions hygiene excellence, operational compliance, and team development.
Finsbury Food Group is a leading specialty bakery manufacturer. We constantly raise quality and efficiency standards and build long-term relationships within the foodservice channel. Finsbury offer a wide range of bakery products and are a leading frozen supplier into the Foodservice sector.
To be successful, you will lead, coach, and motivate the operational support and hygiene teams to consistently achieve shift KPIs. You’ll ensure full compliance with hygiene, GMP, health & safety, and wider operational standards, while also supporting continuous improvement across hygiene and operational processes. Strong communication will be key, as you’ll work closely with other teams to ensure clear handovers and consistent objectives. You’ll take full ownership of shift performance, team development, and overall operational outcomes.
This is what you’ll actually do!
As Operational Support Shift Lead, you’ll manage the operational support and hygiene teams to deliver hourly, shift, and daily KPIs, ensuring the team is supported, resourced, and clear on priorities throughout each shift. You’ll monitor hygiene standards and cleaning effectiveness, ensuring all activities are completed in line with SOPs and food safety requirements, and that standards are consistently maintained across production and site areas.
You’ll lead compliance activity, supporting internal and external audits and ensuring inspection readiness through accurate documentation and follow-up actions. Working closely with Manufacturing Shift Leads and other departments, you’ll support operational planning and shift execution, drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, optimise throughput, and strengthen asset care, and investigate incidents to implement effective corrective actions. You’ll also act as ASH (Absence, Sickness & Holiday) cover as required to support business continuity.
Ideally this is you!
• Experienced in a fast-paced hygiene or food manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop multi-skilled teams in a shift setting.
• Level 2/3 Food Safety qualified; IOSH Supervising Safely (or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of hygiene standards, GMP, cleaning chemicals, and COSHH.
• Familiarity with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations.
• Skilled in continuous improvement, Lean principles, and problem-solving techniques.
• IT competent with strong organisational and reporting skills.
• Approachable, reliable, and adaptable, with a strong focus on team development.
• Committed to maintaining high hygiene standards and operational excellence
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!
• Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependent)
• Employee Recognition Awards· Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in-house development course!)
• An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation. Head over to our LinkedIn page to find out more!
Our vision is to be the leading specialty bakery group in the UK, and we want the best people in place to achieve this. Our continued success is built entirely on the talented people who work here, so employee development is important to us because everyone is a valued member of the team, and we want every individual to have the skills and capabilities to achieve both your own personal goals and our business goals. We want good people to join our company, to help our company continue to go from strength to strength. If this sounds like you, please get in contact to learn more!