At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in injection moulding, ensuring quality and performance standards are met.
- Company: Established UK manufacturer with a strong reputation in the plastics industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stable work environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Rotating shifts with a focus on continuous improvement and team engagement.
- Why this job: Step into a key leadership role and make a real impact in a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Experience in plastic injection moulding and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
The Opportunity as Shift Manager
5S Recruitment are working in partnership with a well‑established, multi‑sector plastic injection moulding manufacturer to recruit a Shift Manager. Operating 24/7 from a large, modern facility, this business supplies into automotive, construction and leisure markets, with a strong reputation for quality and long‑standing customer relationships. Due to an upcoming retirement, they are now looking to bring in a hands‑on Shift Manager to take ownership of shift performance, people, and process.
The Shift Manager Role
Reporting into the Manufacturing Manager, you’ll be responsible for leading your shift operation end‑to‑end, ensuring output, quality, and standards are consistently delivered.
- Leading the shift with full responsibility for health, safety, and compliance
- Managing labour and resources to deliver production plans and targets
- Driving performance across key metrics including OEE, scrap, and PPM
- Ensuring adherence to 5S standards and housekeeping excellence
- Supporting and embedding a continuous improvement culture
- Providing technical leadership across injection moulding processes
- Managing and developing team performance on shift
The Environment
- Established UK manufacturer with decades of stability
- Injection moulding operation with large‑tonnage machines (500T‑1300T range)
- Supplying into demanding, quality‑driven sectors
- Strong focus on standards, structure, and continuous improvement
What We're Looking For in the Shift Manager
This role needs someone who can lead from the front, not hide in an office. Key requirements:
- Proven experience within plastic injection moulding (essential)
- Previous experience in a supervisory / leadership role
- Strong understanding of moulding processes, troubleshooting, and performance drivers
- Experience managing KPIs such as OEE, scrap, and efficiency
- A proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to engage teams on shift
- Strong communication skills and ability to drive accountability
- A flexible, team‑focused mindset
Shift Pattern
Rotating weekly shifts: Week 1: Early Shift, Week 2: Late Shift, Week 3: Night Shift (shorter week)
Why This Role?
- Genuine opportunity to step into a key leadership role due to retirement
- Stable, well‑invested manufacturing environment
- A business that values standards, structure, and long‑term employees
- Opportunity to develop and grow within the organisation
Shift Manager employer: 5S Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
5S Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local manufacturing events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Shift Manager role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your injection moulding knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific processes, troubleshooting techniques, and how you've driven performance in previous roles. Show them you’re not just about numbers but understand the shop floor!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get an interview, don’t just answer questions—ask them too! Inquire about their continuous improvement culture and how they support team development. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right opportunities. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application first-hand and match you with the best roles in the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your proven experience in plastic injection moulding. We want to see how you've led teams and managed processes, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Hands-On: Since this role is all about being proactive and hands-on, share examples of how you've engaged with your team on the shop floor. We love seeing candidates who lead from the front!
Focus on Metrics: Talk about your experience managing KPIs like OEE, scrap, and efficiency. We’re looking for someone who understands performance drivers, so make sure to include relevant achievements.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in the running for this exciting Shift Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at 5S Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Injection Moulding Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of injection moulding processes. Be ready to discuss specific techniques, troubleshooting methods, and performance drivers. This will show that you’re not just a numbers person but someone who truly understands the shop floor.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or improved shift performance. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you engaged your team to meet production targets. This is crucial for a role that requires leading from the front.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Key Metrics
Get comfortable discussing KPIs like OEE, scrap rates, and efficiency. Be prepared to explain how you’ve managed these metrics in previous roles and what strategies you implemented to drive improvement. This will show your potential employer that you can deliver results.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Think of examples where you’ve contributed to a culture of continuous improvement. Whether it’s through 5S practices or other methodologies, be ready to share how you’ve made a positive impact on operations. This aligns perfectly with the company’s focus on standards and structure.