At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, ensuring safety and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturer with a people-first culture in Leeds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 4 on-4 off shift pattern, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Production Manager to join a leading food manufacturer in the Leeds area. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, embedding a people‑first culture, and leading continuous improvement across a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective running of operations while motivating, developing, and empowering your team to deliver outstanding results.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and embed a culture of safety, food safety, and compliance across all operations.
- Deliver operational performance against KPIs.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, driving efficiency, waste reduction, and process optimisation.
- Own and deliver hazard assessments, risk assessments, and safety tours, ensuring corrective actions are closed out promptly.
- Be a hands‑on leader and visible presence on the shop floor, ensuring teams are engaged, supported, and empowered.
- Provide strong leadership in team development, recruitment, retention, and training compliance.
- Ensure robust HACCP, allergen management, SOPs, and quality systems are followed and continuously improved.
- Maintain technical and customer compliance, ensuring product quality and standards are consistently met.
- Partner with cross‑functional teams to deliver business objectives and support strategic initiatives.
Key Skills & Requirements
- Food manufacturing background is essential, with proven leadership and people‑management experience in the sector.
- A true people person – able to inspire, coach, and build high‑performing, engaged teams.
- Strong understanding of health & safety standards (IOSH or equivalent qualification desirable).
- Demonstrated ability in planning, logistics, and operational performance tracking.
- Skilled in Excel reporting and data‑driven decision making.
- Knowledge of RCA (Root Cause Analysis), Hazard Analysis, HACCP, and Food Safety.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary package (depending on experience).
- 4 on‑4 off (days & nights) shift pattern.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading food manufacturer.
- A culture that values continuous improvement, collaboration, and people development.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
Shift Manager in Leeds employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
Contact Detail:
Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, culture, and recent news. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to the role. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around leadership and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your food manufacturing background and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how you embody a people-first culture. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous positions.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved processes or led teams to success. We love seeing data-driven results that highlight your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food manufacturing processes and safety standards. Familiarise yourself with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss how you've applied these principles in past roles will show you're the right fit.
✨Show Your People Skills
As a Shift Manager, you'll need to inspire and lead your team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in previous positions. Think about specific situations where you’ve turned challenges into opportunities for growth – this will highlight your people-first approach.
✨Be Hands-On
Demonstrate your hands-on leadership style by sharing experiences where you were actively involved on the shop floor. Talk about how you engaged with your team and ensured compliance with safety and quality standards. This will show that you’re not just a manager but a leader who leads by example.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like a safety breach or a drop in operational performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.