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At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?
PRODUCTION LEAD
Wensleydale Creamery
Hawes, Yorkshire Dales, UK
Full Time | Permanent
About Saputo
Saputo Dairy UK are the company behind Wensleydale cheese, and other iconic British dairy brands including Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight and Davidstow — household names loved by millions.
Saputo Dairy UK is part of Saputo Inc., a top ten global dairy company, offering the best of both worlds: the agility and warmth of a dedicated UK business with the support and resources of a global group.
We pride ourselves on our inclusive, collaborative culture, where people are valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference. Our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality makes us a leader in the UK food industry.
About This Opportunity
As Production Lead for the Wensleydale Creamery site in Hawes, you will take responsibility for running production and warehouse functions at the plant, reporting into the Site Lead.
You will sit on the Plant Leadership Team playing an integral part in supporting company strategy and delivering against EBITDA.
You will provide your team with clear leadership, communication and guidance to ensure the right process and procedures are followed and performance metrics are achieved.
You will ensure appropriate organisation and allocation of resources to deliver the production plan to time, cost, quality and service levels with due regard to environmental, food safety and HSE regulations.
YOU’LL MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT MATTER BY…
- Leading the team to deliver and exceed the performance targets of the site
- Playing a key role in the delivery of the operational plan for manpower, volumes, cost and service
- Developing a high-performance culture focused on innovation, accountability and continuous improvement
- Driving optimal health and food safety systems and standards across the department
- Operating with the pace required to increase productivity while improving accuracy and process adherence
- Leading, defining and developing continuous improvement activities designed to improve performance, such as the planning and running of lean events
- Managing and driving site top loss review forum and identifying full and permanent countermeasures for all downtime related issues
- Performing root cause analysis and resolving problems
- Conducting risk assessments of processes and tasks in the department
- Working collaboratively with key stakeholders across the business
- Setting clear standards and expectations, monitoring performance against them, using 1to1s, clear objective setting and Saputo development channels
- Undertaking continuous training and development
- Establishing clear communication channels that support engagement, consistency and collaboration
- Delegating responsibilities to direct reports, ensuring they have ownership of their departments while providing support with significant issues
- Supporting team development and implementing comprehensive training and development plans for all team members
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YOU’RE BEST SUITED FOR THE ROLE IF YOU ARE…
- Able to demonstrate previous experience of team leadership, ideally in a high performing team
- Able to work in a consistent calm, controlled, positive and effective manner in a changing environment
- Able to take initiative and work autonomously
- Able to adopt our values and help drive them in the team
- Adept at building and maintaining relationships
- Able to act decisively
- Results focused
- Analytical with strong attention to detail
- Computer literate and accuracy in data compilation
- An effective communicator
- Resilient, flexible and inclusive
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WE SUPPORT AND CARE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES BY PROVIDING YOU WITH…
- 5% Annual bonus
- 3% Employer pension contribution
- Private Medical Insurance that covers you and family members
- Access to Thrive 24 hours a day: a leading and NHS clinically approved app which focuses on general wellbeing
- Life assurance
- Subsidised staff restaurant
- Discounted branded products
- My Staff Shop - access to exclusive benefits, free advice and savings - providing great discounts from thousands of the UKs largest retailers & service providers
- Free, on-site parking
- Autonomous and inclusive working environment.
- Opportunities for progression within the UK and overseas
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AT SAPUTO
We support employment equity. Saputo strives to embed diversity and inclusion in its operations and invites candidates from all horizons to join our team.
To enable you to bring your best we will ensure you are provided with any physical or non-physical adjustments to support your participation in the job application and interview process.
Agencies - Thank you for your interest in working with Saputo Dairy UK. We do not pay fees or acknowledge any CV’s supplied to Saputo Dairy UK unless you have been briefed on the role by a member of the Talent Acquisition Team.
#SDUK2026
In the UK, Saputo is a producer of leading British food brands and value-added ingredients. We manufacture a range of cheeses, dairy spreads, and dairy-free products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands including Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight and Wensleydale.
Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success.
You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.
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