At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic production team in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking food manufacturer focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting transition towards automated production processes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by overseeing production improvements and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in production management and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 48000 £ per year.
The Production Shift Manager is responsible for leading, supervising, and developing a 15-person production team within a food manufacturing environment. The role is highly hands-on and shop-floor based (70:30), ensuring that daily production targets are met safely, efficiently, and to the highest food safety and quality standards.
The Business is currently a manual production line and they are interested in moving towards a more automated production line. The production Manager is very keen to take on this project in the near future and would be looking for someone to assist him overseeing this project.
Key Responsibilities
- Production & Operations
- Oversee day-to-day production activities during the shift to ensure output targets are met
- Ensure products are manufactured in line with company specifications, recipes, and quality standards
- Monitor workflow, labour allocation, and productivity across manual processes and new production lines
- Support the implementation and optimisation of production lines and improved processes
- Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement
- Team Leadership & Supervision
- Provide visible, hands-on leadership on the shop floor throughout the shift
- Supervise, motivate, and manage a team of approximately 15 production operatives
- Allocate tasks and ensure appropriate staffing levels across production areas
- Carry out daily briefings, on-the-job coaching, and performance feedback
- Address performance, conduct, and attendance issues in line with company procedures
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members
- Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and allergen controls
- Maintain standards in line with ERC, SALSA, HACCP, and internal food safety procedures
- Ensure correct documentation is completed accurately and on time
- Carry out regular quality and hygiene checks during the shift
- Act immediately on any food safety, quality, or hygiene issues
- Health & Safety
- Promote a strong health and safety culture on the shop floor
- Ensure safe working practices are followed at all times
- Conduct risk assessments, toolbox talks, and incident reporting as required
- Ensure equipment and production areas are used safely and correctly
- Communication & Reporting
- Communicate effectively with the Production Manager and wider operations team
- Provide clear handovers and shift updates
- Report on production performance, staffing, issues, and improvement ideas
- Work collaboratively with other departments including logistics, quality, and planning
Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Previous experience in a production supervisory or shift management role, ideally within food manufacturing or FMCG
- Strong people management and team leadership skills
- Hands-on approach with the ability to lead from the shop floor
- Good understanding of food safety, hygiene, and quality standards
- Ability to manage performance, attendance, and day-to-day operational issues
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Desirable
- Experience supporting the introduction of production lines or process improvements
- Knowledge of SALSA, HACCP, or similar food safety standards
- Experience working with manual food production transitioning to semi-automation
- Basic production planning or KPI reporting experience
Personal Attributes
- Confident, calm, and approachable leadership style
- Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
- Able to motivate teams in a fast-paced environment
- Detail-focused with high standards for quality and safety
- Reliable, consistent, and able to lead by example
Production Shift Manager employer: Alexander Steele Ltd
Join a dynamic global logistics and freight forwarding company in Glasgow, where you will be part of a supportive team that values collaboration and innovation. With competitive salaries and a Monday to Friday work schedule, we offer a healthy work-life balance alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in the thriving logistics sector. Experience a vibrant work culture that encourages personal initiative and rewards your contributions to our expanding operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Shift Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Alexander Steele Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Shift Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Alexander Steele Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Alexander Steele Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Alexander Steele Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
