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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic manufacturing team to achieve productivity and safety goals.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and shopping discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that drives change and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in team leadership within manufacturing is essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and positive change.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Here at DS Smith Birmingham, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Shift Manager to join our manufacturing team at the Smethwick site. Reporting to the General Manager, you will work closely with site leadership to ensure productivity plans are delivered, departmental targets are achieved, and continuous improvement remains a core focus. This is a visible leadership role where strong communication, people management, and operational skills are essential.
Responsibilities
- Ensure a safe working environment is maintained at all times and team compliance with all company safety procedures and legislation.
- Review & update Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work.
- Analyse contractor Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) and review contractor insurances, skills, competence and documentation.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to promote continuous improvement and drive the overall success of the site.
- Work with maintenance teams to ensure all preventative maintenance schedules are effectively planned and actioned to monitor effectiveness and reduce downtime.
- Build strong relationships with key stakeholders on site and throughout the business.
- Drive performance, productivity and cost saving initiatives.
About You
We’re looking for a proactive, resilient leader with proven experience managing teams in a manufacturing environment — packaging, print, or FMCG experience is a plus. You’ll be a visible, hands-on leader who builds trust, drives engagement, and holds people accountable. Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a solid understanding of health & safety, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices. You’ll be confident making decisions under pressure, adaptable to change, and able to use data to inform strategies and optimize performance.
Minimum Requirements
- Previous experience of leading a team.
- Manufacturing/Engineering background would be advantageous.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- The ability to set targets and manage performance to achieve these results.
- A sense of accountability, delivering what you say you will.
- A professional attitude based around development and improvement.
- Strong administration skills and IT literate.
Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Income protection.
- Employee assistance program.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Shopping discounts.
- On-site parking.
Location
On site - Birmingham - Smethwick.
Working Pattern
The working hours for this role rotate weekly and are as follows:
- Week 1: Monday to Thursday 06:00 – 14:00; Friday 06:00 – 13:00.
- Week 2: Monday to Thursday 14:00 – 22:00; Friday 13:00 – 20:00.
About Us
We’re DS Smith, the company who are redefining packaging for a changing world. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market-leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America. To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. 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.
Shift Manager in Smethwick employer: DS Smith
Contact Detail:
DS Smith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Manager in Smethwick
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on DS Smith. Check out their values and recent projects. This will help you connect your experience with what they care about, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or improved processes. Be ready to share these during your interview to showcase your hands-on leadership style and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for continuous improvement! Talk about how you've implemented changes in past roles that led to better safety or productivity. This aligns perfectly with DS Smith's focus on driving performance and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics or future projects at DS Smith. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you too.
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Manager in Smethwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Shift Manager role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for DS Smith. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Strong communication is key for this role. In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively communicated with teams and stakeholders in the past. We love seeing examples of collaboration and engagement!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Since the role emphasises maintaining a safe working environment, brush up on health and safety regulations relevant to manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented safety measures in past roles and how you plan to uphold these standards at DS Smith.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Shift Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, driven engagement, and held people accountable. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you build trust within your team.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
DS Smith values continuous improvement, so come prepared with specific examples of how you've driven performance and productivity in previous roles. Discuss any initiatives you've led that resulted in cost savings or enhanced operational efficiency.
✨Prepare for Data-Driven Discussions
The ability to use data to inform strategies is key for this position. Familiarise yourself with common metrics used in manufacturing environments and be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis to optimise performance and make informed decisions.