Manufacturing Advanced Team Lead

Location: Pontypool
Shift: 4 on, 4 off, 6am – 6pm
Salary: Competitive
About the Role:
We have a new opportunity for a Manufacturing Advanced Team Leader (MATL) within our Manufacturing team in our Pontypool site as part of the Finsbury Food Group.
As a MATL, you will lead and support the operational delivery of a manufacturing shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. You will support the Manufacturing Shift Lead (MSL) in developing a motivated, skilled, and engaged team, driving manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement while maintaining compliance and operational performance.
About the Site:
Ultrapharm is a dedicated Gluten Free Bakery specialising in only Gluten Free Product since 1993. The Company’s unique approach to craft and baking creates premium gluten – free products with the flavour and taste of traditional bread. If you have special dietary need or nutritional preferences, then our Pontypool bakery has you covered. Our Products range from artisanal bread to our award winning Hot cross buns and Mince pies for Major Retailers such as M&S and Waitrose.
Finsbury Food Group is a leading speciality bakery manufacturer. We constantly raise quality and efficiency standards, and build long-term relationships with major multiple retailers and the foodservice channel. Our Ultrapharm site is a dedicated Gluten Free Bakery specialising in only Gluten Free Product since 1993. The Company’s unique approach to craft and baking creates premium gluten – free products with the flavour and taste of traditional bread. If you have special dietary need or nutritional preferences, then our Pontypool bakery has you covered. Our Products range from artisanal bread to our award winning Hot cross buns and Mince pies for Major Retailers such as M&S and Waitrose.

Part of the Role:
We are committed to investing in our leaders. As part of this role, you will undertake a professionally recognised leadership development programme, fully funded by the Welsh Government. This programme will support you in developing advanced leadership skills, broadening your impact, and strengthening your career pathway within the organisation.
To be successful, you will be…
Lead, motivate, and develop your shift team to achieve operational KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People).
Support safe, efficient, and high-quality production across the shift.
Coach and develop team members, driving engagement and performance.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
Communicate effectively across shifts and departments to ensure smooth operations.
This is what you’ll actually do:
Lead and support shift operations, ensuring production meets targets.
Drive adherence to SOPs, GMP, hygiene, and PPE standards.
Support line setup, minor mechanical adjustments, and changeovers to optimise efficiency.
Monitor performance, identify deviations, and take corrective actions.
Maintain Health, Safety, and Food Safety compliance, supporting audits and inspections.
Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles and root cause problem-solving techniques.
Deputise for the Manufacturing Shift Lead during absences, providing full shift leadership coverage.
Ideally, this is you:
Experienced in leading teams in a fast-paced food or FMCG manufacturing environment.
Knowledgeable in food safety, quality, and health & safety standards.
Skilled in coaching, performance management, and engaging teams.
Competent in continuous improvement techniques (A3, 5 Whys, SIC reviews).
Basic mechanical or technical aptitude to support line efficiency.
Strong IT skills (MS Office; manufacturing systems advantageous).
IOSH Supervising Safely and Level 2 Food Safety qualified or willing to achieve.
Resilient, adaptable, and committed to delivering high standards of operational performance.
Grade C or above in English & Maths GCSE level or equivalent

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!
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!