Tom Cropper
Operations Team Leader
Southport
Summary
A highly driven Operations Team Leader with 5+ years' experience delivering safe, compliant and high-performance production within fast-paced FMCG manufacturing. Proven track record in leading teams, driving Lean continuous improvement, and consistently achieving Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery KPIs. Recognised as a strong coach and problem-solver with expertise in shift leadership, root-cause analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
OPERATIONS TEAM LEADER AND SHIFT RESOURCE & CAPABILITY LEAD
WALKERS SNACK FOODS
12.2019 - Current
- Lead shift operations to deliver Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery KPIs, ensuring stable, compliant and efficient production.
- Champion a Safety First, Safety Always culture through toolbox talks, GEMBA walks and proactive hazard identification.
- Facilitate 4-hourly QCDM meetings, using RCA tools (5 Whys, MIRs) to address performance losses and drive corrective actions.
- Apply Lean methodologies (SIC, IPS, DMAIC, PDCA) to maximise TE, reduce waste and sustain standard work.
- Lead Kaizen events and A3 projects to improve site KPIs including TE, Waste, Volume Fill and PSA.
- Managed shift skill matrices, identified gaps, and coordinated with training team to ensure comprehensive operational coverage.
- Delivered performance and development conversations, 1-2-1s, and roundtables to enhance team capability and boost morale.
- Oversee attendance, holiday planning and short-term labour allocation to maintain production continuity.
- Conduct RTW interviews and manage absence in line with site policy.
- Conducted investigations into safety, quality, and behaviour issues, escalating to disciplinary processes when required to uphold standards.
OPERATIONS TEAM LEADER (SECONDMENT)
WALKERS SNACK FOODS
12.2018 - 12.2019
- Delivered operational excellence through outstanding team leadership, staff development and targeted process improvements.
- Led operations team to exceed productivity targets through effective resource allocation and workflow optimisation.
- Facilitated continuous improvement initiatives, encouraging innovation and excellence in operations.
- Coordinated shift leadership activities, focusing on performance management and waste reduction initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness.
GENERAL OPERATIVE
WALKERS SNACK FOODS
12.2016 - 12.2018
- Operated machinery to standard settings, utilising KPI/QCDM data to identify and resolve performance issues effectively.
- Led QCDM online, driving waste reduction through proactive downtime management and cross-area collaboration.
- Supported manufacturing technicians during line operation and engineering days, enhancing machine knowledge and minimising downtime.
- Promoted engagement initiatives, contributing to a positive work environment.
GENERAL OPERATIVE
ADECCO (WALKERS SNACK FOODS AGENCY)
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Operated machinery and equipment safely, adhering to strict health and safety protocols.
- Operated machinery within designated zone, ensuring compliance with standard setting guidelines.
- Utilised Lean Manufacturing principles, including KPI/QCDM, to evaluate machinery performance and resolve issues affecting performance.
- Maintained a clean and organised work environment, upholding company’s cleanliness standards.
- Adapted to multiple job roles within team, enhancing flexibility and collaboration.
DATA ANALYST AND SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR
DOMESTIC ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
10.2015 - 04.2016
- Analysed sales data and tracked performance of sales team to optimise data utilisation.
- Created invoices and entered data post-engineering repairs to ensure accurate billing.
- General administration work including data entry; answering calls; sending emails; updating/filing documents.
- Evaluated customer appliance issues through service requests and coordinated engineer appointments for repairs.
SHIFT LEADER
JD WETHERSPOON
07.2014 - 10.2015
- Supervising, training and motivating new and existing employees with the aim of providing quality customer service.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Participated in business and stock calls with breweries while addressing customer problems and queries in person, via email, and over the phone.
- Managed office administration tasks including deliveries, stock control through line checks, time and attendance management, and petty cash and till/safe banking.
BAR ASSOCIATE
JD WETHERSPOON
03.2014 - 07.2014
- Delivered friendly and efficient customer service to enhance the guest experience.
- Monitored current promotions and new products to inform customers and drive sales.
- Maintained cleanliness and tidiness of bar, front-of-house and toilets to uphold high standards.
Education
BA -
UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL
01-2013
A Level -
KING GEORGE V COLLEGE
01-2010
GCSEs -
STANLEY HIGH SCHOOL
01-2008
Skills
- TMS
- Lean tools
- RCA
- QCDM
- Performance metrics
- Continuous improvement
- Team leadership
- Coaching
- Microsoft Office Tools
- Performance-driven
- Proactive
- Reliable
- Organised
- Communication skills
Accomplishments
- Lean Six Sigma Kaizen Leader Certified, Delivered a 2% TE increase through Packaging Vertical Start-Up Project.
- Led multiple successful A3 improvement projects, 15% (£17M) Primary End-of-Line Waste Reduction
- Led multiple successful A3 improvement projects, 20% (£14M projected 2026) Primary Packeted Waste Reduction
References
References are available upon request.
Hobbies and Interests
- Founder and organiser of a workplace hiking club, promoting wellbeing, teamwork and exploration of new trails.
- Active in sports, cycling and weightlifting, maintaining discipline through consistent goal-setting and performance tracking.
Timeline
OPERATIONS TEAM LEADER AND SHIFT RESOURCE & CAPABILITY LEAD
WALKERS SNACK FOODS
12.2019 - Current
OPERATIONS TEAM LEADER (SECONDMENT)
WALKERS SNACK FOODS
12.2018 - 12.2019
GENERAL OPERATIVE
WALKERS SNACK FOODS
12.2016 - 12.2018
GENERAL OPERATIVE
ADECCO (WALKERS SNACK FOODS AGENCY)
05.2016 - 12.2016
DATA ANALYST AND SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR
DOMESTIC ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
10.2015 - 04.2016
SHIFT LEADER
JD WETHERSPOON
07.2014 - 10.2015
BAR ASSOCIATE
JD WETHERSPOON
03.2014 - 07.2014
BA -
UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL
A Level -
KING GEORGE V COLLEGE
GCSEs -
STANLEY HIGH SCHOOL