Shift Manager

Shift Manager – Manufacturing

We are working with an established specialist manufacturing business operating within a highly regulated and safety-critical environment. They are looking to appoint an experienced Shift Manager to lead their manufacturing operations across an assigned shift.

This is a key operational leadership position, responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient and consistent running of the production area, while leading a team of Operators and Technicians.

You will play a hands-on role in managing people, production, quality, safety and resources, ensuring the shift achieves its required output and delivery targets without compromising the highest standards of safety and compliance.

The Opportunity

As Shift Manager, you will take ownership of the manufacturing operation during your shift, providing clear direction to your team and ensuring production activities are carried out in line with approved procedures, operating limits and relevant regulatory requirements.

You will be responsible for planning and allocating resources, managing priorities and responding effectively to production issues, process deviations and unexpected events.

A major part of the role will be developing and supporting your team, ensuring Operators and Technicians are appropriately trained, competent and authorised to undertake their roles.

• Lead the safe and efficient operation of the manufacturing area throughout your assigned shift.
• Plan and control shift activities to achieve production, quality and delivery targets.
• Lead, motivate and develop Operators and Technicians, setting clear expectations around safety, performance and conduct.
• Ensure employees are appropriately trained, competent and authorised for the work they undertake.
• Maintain strict control of materials, work in progress and waste, ensuring appropriate quantity, location, segregation and traceability.
• Ensure production and quality checks are completed accurately and on time.
• Respond promptly to abnormal conditions, process deviations, incidents and emergencies, escalating where required.
• Manage attendance, absence, conduct and performance in line with company procedures.
• Coordinate effectively with Engineering, Quality, H&S, Security and other support functions.
• Ensure maintenance activities, permits, isolations and process changes are properly controlled.
• Monitor operational performance, including productivity, quality, delivery and OEE.
• Lead practical continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce production losses.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, material control, security and environmental compliance.
• Provide clear and accurate shift handovers, ensuring outstanding actions and operational issues are communicated effectively.

About You

We are looking for an experienced manufacturing leader or shift manager who is comfortable working in a structured, safety-critical environment and leading teams within production.

You will need to be confident making decisions under pressure, have the judgement to challenge unsafe practices and be prepared to take ownership when things don't go to plan.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Previous leadership or supervisory experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong organisational and people-management skills.
• A disciplined approach to safety, procedures and accurate record keeping.
• The confidence to challenge unsafe working practices and stop work where necessary.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• High levels of attention to detail, integrity and accountability.
• The ability to work effectively with Engineering, Quality, H&S and other operational teams.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Shift Manager, Production Manager, Manufacturing Supervisor or Senior Production Leader looking to take ownership of a critical manufacturing operation.

You will have genuine responsibility for people, production and operational performance, with the opportunity to make a direct impact on safety, efficiency, quality and output within a specialist manufacturing environment.

If you are an experienced manufacturing leader who enjoys being close to the operation, developing teams and driving high standards, we'd be keen to hear from you.