At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic manufacturing team to drive performance and operational excellence.
- Company: Join CHEP, a global leader in supply chain and manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, private healthcare, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Long-term career development opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape a growing team and influence operational culture during an exciting transformation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in fast-paced manufacturing environments and strong data analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 22430 - 27414 £ per year.
Location: CHEP Park Road, Pontefract, WF8 4QD
Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday Double Days (6am-2pm/2pm-10pm)
Type: Full Time, Permanent
Are you a people-focused manufacturing leader who thrives on developing teams, improving performance, and making decisions based on data rather than instinct? Do you enjoy leading through others, coaching frontline leaders, and using operational insights to drive measurable results?
CHEP is looking for a Shift Production Manager; internally, this role is referred to as ‘Operations Supervisor Band 2’, to lead one of our manufacturing shifts at our Pontefract site. Reporting to the Operations Lead, this is a key leadership role responsible for developing Operations Supervisors, leading frontline teams, and driving operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This role is more than managing a shift. We're looking for someone who can combine strong leadership with data-led decision-making, using production data, KPIs, and operational analytics to improve performance, identify opportunities, and deliver sustainable results.
You'll play a critical role in developing leadership capability across the shift, creating a positive and accountable culture, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that support the site's long-term operational strategy.
If you're motivated by leading people, solving problems, and turning operational data into meaningful action, we'd love to hear from you.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience leading production or manufacturing teams within a fast-paced operational environment.
- Experience leading and developing frontline leaders, including Team Leaders, Supervisors, or Shift Leaders.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs, operational metrics, and performance management processes.
- Demonstrated experience using production data, reporting, and analytics to drive operational improvements and business decisions.
- Experience identifying trends, conducting root cause analysis, and implementing actions that improve performance and efficiency.
- Experience managing investigations, disciplinaries, performance management, and employee relations processes.
- Continuous improvement and operational optimisation experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong Health & Safety awareness and commitment to operational excellence.
Leadership Behaviours
- Leads through people and creates high-performing, engaged teams.
- Uses data and facts to inform decisions, drive accountability, and influence outcomes.
- Strong coaching mindset with a passion for developing future leaders.
- Builds collaborative relationships and credibility across all levels of the organisation.
- Resilient and adaptable when operating in a fast-paced production environment.
- Positive, energetic, and able to balance people engagement with performance delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Operations Supervisors and frontline employees to improve capability and performance.
- Drive shift performance through the analysis of production data, KPIs, trends, and operational metrics.
- Use data-led insights to identify opportunities, solve operational challenges, and improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
- Lead daily, weekly, and monthly performance reviews, ensuring actions are focused on measurable outcomes.
- Create a culture of accountability where decisions are informed by operational evidence and performance data.
- Develop leadership capability across the shift through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
- Manage employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinaries, and performance management processes.
- Lead continuous improvement and site optimisation initiatives that deliver tangible operational benefits.
- Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to support strategic projects, process improvements, and operational change.
- Maintain high standards of Health & Safety, compliance, and operational performance across the shift.
Why Join CHEP?
- Opportunity to lead and shape a developing shift team during an exciting period of growth and transformation.
- Significant people leadership responsibility with approximately 45 reports across a direct and indirect matrix.
- Influence operational performance, culture, and leadership capability across the site.
- Play a key role in improvement, optimisation, and change initiatives.
- Long-term career development opportunities within a global supply chain and manufacturing organisation.
What's in It for You?
- Competitive salary (Base + Shift Allowance)
- Annual bonus opportunity (Typically 10% of your base salary)
- Single Private healthcare
- Share scheme
- Flexible benefits package
- 25 days holiday plus the option to buy and sell additional leave
- Enhanced Company pension scheme
- Life Assurance & Employee Assistance Programme
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to developing a diverse workforce in which everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and has the opportunity to contribute to business success while realizing his or her potential. This means harnessing the unique skills and experience that each individual brings and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
Individuals fraudulently misrepresenting themselves as Brambles or CHEP representatives have scheduled interviews and offered fraudulent employment opportunities with the intent to commit identity theft or solicit money. Brambles and CHEP never conduct interviews via online chat or request money as a term of employment. If you have a question as to the legitimacy of an interview or job offer, please contact us at recruitment@brambles.com.
Work Location: In person
Shift Production Manager in Wakefield employer: CHEP
CHEP is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to excel in their roles while promoting collaboration across various departments. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, this hybrid remote position allows for flexibility and work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in demand planning across Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Production Manager in Wakefield
✨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 CHEP, 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 Shift Production Manager in Wakefield
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 CHEP 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 CHEP
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with CHEP, 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 CHEP 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.
