At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large night shift team in a fast-paced bakery environment.
- Company: Join the UK's largest food manufacturer with a rich heritage in premium bakery products.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career progression, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns and opportunities for training and growth within the company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Experience managing large teams in manufacturing; passion for people development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Dronfield
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Shift Pattern: Week 1: Sunday - Wednesday, Week 2: Sunday - Tuesday | 6pm - 6am
About Us
Joining 2 Sisters means becoming part of the UK's largest food manufacturer, with a £3 billion+ turnover and over 13,500 employees. Our Gunstones Bakery is a long-standing and respected site, known for producing premium bakery products such as bread rolls and hot cross buns for high-profile retail partners including Marks & Spencer. As part of our continued commitment to quality and excellence, we are investing in strong leadership to help shape the future of this iconic bakery.
About the Role
The Shift Manager (Nights) will lead a large team of approximately 150 operatives and 7 team leaders, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of the manufacturing process during their assigned shift. This hands-on leadership role is pivotal in driving performance across multiple areas of the factory including dispensary, sieving, dust control, and H&S zones.
You will be responsible for leading end-to-end production operations, managing people, processes, and performance while maintaining high standards of health, safety, and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a large night shift team across 8 key factory areas
- Ensure safe working practices and compliance with health & safety regulations
- Act as the primary point of escalation during your shift, making fast decisions in critical situations
- Monitor operational performance, drive continuous improvement, and maintain product quality
- Collaborate with other Shift Managers and Senior Leadership Team to ensure seamless coordination across shifts and departments
- Promote a culture of engagement, development, and accountability within the workforce
About You
This role is ideal for an ambitious, experienced leader with a track record in managing large teams in high-pressure environments. You should be passionate about people development, operational excellence, and delivering results.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Proven experience leading teams of over 100 people
- Strong background in fast-paced manufacturing environments (food, pharma or temperature-controlled preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to make quick decisions and lead under pressure
- Commitment to health & safety standards with incident management capability
- Willingness to grow within the business and take on increasing responsibility
Desirable:
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification
- IOSH Managing Safely certification
- Prior experience in FMCG or food manufacturing
- Ambition to progress into Site Management roles
Benefits
- Standard Company Benefits package
- 5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Career progression opportunities towards Site Management
- Access to training and development programmes
- Employee Assistance Programme and Grocery Aid
- Discount scheme with Boparan Restaurant Group
- Cycle2Work Scheme
Why Join Us?
At Gunstones Bakery, you'll be part of a respected heritage brand producing premium bakery goods for some of the UK's most well-known retailers. This role offers real autonomy, hands-on leadership, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a stable and supportive environment. If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead at scale, this could be the opportunity for you.
Apply now and become a key player in one of the UK's most trusted bakeries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Manager (Nights) in Dronfield
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like 2 Sisters Food Group.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from 2 Sisters Food Group!
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Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like 2 Sisters Food Group, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Shift Manager (Nights) in Dronfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at 2 Sisters Food Group, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at 2 Sisters Food Group.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to 2 Sisters Food Group. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at 2 Sisters Food Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at 2 Sisters Food Group
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to 2 Sisters Food Group’s mission.
