At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate a dynamic team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills and driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership and strong people management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Shift Manager
Location
Louth
Shift Pattern
4 on, 4 off (2 x 12-hour day shifts followed by 2 x 12-hour night shifts)
Lead People. Drive Performance. Shape the Future.
We’re looking for an ambitious and engaging
Shift Manager to join our manufacturing operation in Louth.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced production leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys developing high-performing teams while driving operational excellence.
As Shift Manager, you’ll play a critical role in leading one of our production shifts, ensuring the safe, efficient and effective operation of the site.
You’ll be responsible for delivering outstanding performance across safety, quality, productivity, customer service and people development, while creating a culture built on accountability, continuous improvement and collaboration.
Working closely with colleagues across Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and the wider UK Packaging business, you’ll have the opportunity to influence site performance and contribute to the ongoing success of the operation.
- What you’ll be doing
- Lead, motivate and develop your shift team to consistently deliver operational KPIs across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People.
- Champion a proactive safety culture by identifying and eliminating hazards, driving behavioural safety and ensuring full compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental standards.
- Lead daily shift start-up meetings, safety briefings and performance reviews, ensuring clear communication and engagement across the team.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation, problem solving and operational excellence to improve productivity and reduce waste.
- Work collaboratively with Supply Chain and Planning teams to maximise service levels and achieve industry-leading customer performance, including 100% OTIF.
- Build strong working relationships with internal departments and colleagues across the wider DS Smith network to share best practice and improve operational performance.
- Manage, coach and support Team Leaders and production colleagues, creating an engaged, high-performing workforce.
- Conduct performance reviews, Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) and succession planning to develop future talent and strengthen leadership capability.
- Recruit, onboard and develop new team members where required.
- Ensure exceptional housekeeping, GMP and quality standards are maintained, delivering an audit-ready manufacturing environment at all times.
- Monitor and report production performance, ensuring shift reports, OEE reporting and operational data are completed accurately and on time.
- Lead investigations into production issues, identifying root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
- Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with company policies, quality standards and legislative requirements.
About You
You’ll be a confident and resilient manufacturing leader who enjoys getting the best from people while delivering outstanding operational performance.
You’ll be passionate about continuous improvement and capable of making sound decisions in a fast-moving production environment.
We’re looking for someone who has
- Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role such as Shift Manager, Production Manager, Manufacturing Team Manager or similar.
- Strong people leadership skills with the ability to coach, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
- A continuous improvement mindset with experience driving operational performance and implementing change.
- A recognised qualification in Health & Safety, Quality Management or a related discipline (desirable).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, using data to make informed operational decisions.
- Advanced IT skills and experience using manufacturing reporting systems and Microsoft Office.
- A collaborative approach with the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships.
- Confidence to challenge existing processes, question the status quo and drive positive change.
- A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, customer service and employee engagement.
Why DS Smith?
This is more than a Shift Manager role—it’s an opportunity to become part of a global organisation where operational excellence, sustainability and people development are at the heart of everything we do.
You’ll join a business that values innovation, empowers its leaders to make decisions and provides genuine opportunities for career progression across one of the UK’s leading manufacturing organisations.
If you’re an inspirational leader who is passionate about developing people, improving performance and making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
- Competitive salary
- Qualifying Sick Pay scheme
- Pension scheme & Life insurance
- Share Save scheme
- Income Protection
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccine
- Cycle to Work and shopping discounts
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products.
We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change.
We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more.
Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time.
Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges.
We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
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Shift Manager in Louth employer: DS Smith Europe
As a Quality and Technical Lead in our Packaging Division, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working closely with international teams. Located in a vibrant region, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact our commitment to quality excellence and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Manager in Louth
✨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 DS Smith Europe, 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 Manager in Louth
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 DS Smith Europe 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 DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with DS Smith Europe, 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 DS Smith Europe 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.
