Westfalia Fruit
Area Lead - Packing
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Come and join the leading #avoexperts 🥑
Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce - 365 days a year & across the globe.
With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognised as the leading #avoexperts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.
We are looking for a new Area Lead within our Packing operations out of Spalding, UK.
About the Role
The Area Lead, Packing leads a specific production area or group of lines and ensure daily operations are performed safely, efficiently, and in line with customer and quality expectations. The Area Lead is the first line of leadership support, responsible for engaging teams and maintaining high PSQCD standards.
Key Responsibilities
People
- Lead line teams in daily start-ups, briefings and shift transitions.
- Coach and support line leaders to build skills and ownership.
- Encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and pride in performance.
- Support training and development plans across the area.
Safety
- Ensure all safety procedures are followed and address unsafe acts immediately.
- Promote safe behaviours through briefings, observations, and correction.
- Conduct checks on equipment, PPE, and working conditions.
- Support shift-level safety improvement initiatives.
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Quality
- Lead on ensuring that all product meets specification and quality standards.
- Complete in-line checks, process controls, and ensure traceability is maintained.
- Support response to quality issues and drive root cause resolution.
- Lead area hygiene and housekeeping to audit-ready standards.
Cost
- Minimise rework, waste, and unplanned downtime.
- Monitor line output, efficiency, and operator productivity.
- Identify loss-making patterns and escalate or act as needed.
- Maintain control of materials and documentation accuracy.
Delivery
- Execute production plans for the area and ensure smooth changeovers.
- Maintain pace, monitor progress, and raise any concerns to Shift Lead.
- Ensure all equipment and materials are ready to support delivery.
- Keep area performance boards updated with live data.
Customer-First Focus
- Reinforce the importance of quality and service at team level.
- Encourage the mindset of 'Would I be happy to send this to a customer?'
- Act quickly to prevent or recover any potential service impact.
- Celebrate wins and improvements that benefit customer satisfaction.
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Requirements
Person Specification - Leadership Profile
- On-the-Line Leader - Visible and hands-on in the day-to-day running of the area.
- Engaged Team Player - Builds strong relationships with both team members and other functions.
- Accountable and Reliable - Owns outcomes and follows through on actions.
- Service-Focused - Understands how small decisions impact the customer.
- Standards Setter - Ensures procedures, hygiene, and quality never slip.
- Calm and Composed - Leads with consistency, especially under pressure.
- Mentor Mindset - Invests time in developing others and promoting growth.
- Detail-Oriented - Notices issues early and acts to prevent escalation.
Benefits
- 20 days holiday
- Free on-site parking
- Company pension plan
- Medicash plan
- Life Insurance
- Salary - £35,000 per annum
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.
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