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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic manufacturing team to achieve top performance in safety, quality, and delivery.
- Company: Join Finsbury Food Group, a leading gluten-free bakery with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced maternity/paternity leave, pension schemes, and retail discounts.
- Why this job: Develop your leadership skills while making a real impact in a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in manufacturing, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: Access extensive learning opportunities and be part of a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have a new opportunity for a Manufacturing Shift Lead (MSL) within our Manufacturing team in our Pontypool site as part of the Finsbury Food Group. As a Manufacturing Shift Lead, you will manage and develop your shift to deliver top performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. You will ensure smooth operations, build team capability, and implement best practices that drive continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence. You will also help create a high-performing, engaged team culture that exceeds production, quality, and safety standards.
Ultrapharm is a dedicated Gluten Free Bakery specialising in only Gluten Free Product since 1993. The Company’s unique approach to craft and baking creates premium gluten-free products with the flavour and taste of traditional bread. Our Products range from artisanal bread to our award-winning Hot cross buns and Mince pies for Major Retailers such as M&S and Waitrose.
We are committed to investing in our leaders. As part of this role, you will undertake a professionally recognised leadership development programme, fully funded by the Welsh Government. This programme will support you in developing advanced leadership skills, broadening your impact, and strengthening your career pathway within the organisation.
To be successful, you will be:
- Inspiring and leading a motivated, high-performing team.
- Delivering production targets while maintaining safety, quality, and compliance standards.
- Coaching and developing your team to meet both personal and shift KPIs.
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives to optimise performance.
- Handling operational challenges calmly and effectively.
This is what you’ll actually do:
- Lead daily shift operations, ensuring production meets plans and standards.
- Manage staffing, labour deployment, and resources efficiently.
- Conduct coaching, PDRs, and performance reviews to develop team skills.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, and Quality standards, including BRC and GMP.
- Support and lead continuous improvement projects to improve productivity and reduce waste.
- Act as deputy for the Site Manufacturing Lead when required.
Ideally, this is you:
- Experienced in manufacturing, ideally in food or FMCG, with at least 5 years’ experience.
- Proven track record of leading multi-skilled teams in high-pressure environments.
- Skilled in Lean, continuous improvement tools, and problem-solving techniques.
- Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
- Numerate, analytical, and confident with IT systems including MS Office and ERP platforms.
- Qualified or willing to obtain IOSH Managing Safely and Level 3 Food Safety.
- Resilient, forward-thinking, and committed to delivering high-quality results.
- Grade C or above in English & Maths GCSE level or equivalent.
What’s in it for you?
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
- Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees.
- Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families).
- Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
- Employee Recognition Awards.
- Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in-house development course!).
- An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation.
Manufacturing Shift Lead in Pontypool employer: Finsbury Food
Contact Detail:
Finsbury Food Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Shift Lead in Pontypool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Finsbury Food Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and manufacturing. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role of Manufacturing Shift Lead. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of how you've driven continuous improvement or led a team effectively. Use specific metrics to demonstrate your impact – numbers speak volumes in manufacturing!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Shift Lead in Pontypool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Manufacturing Shift Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in manufacturing or food sectors, and any continuous improvement initiatives you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about leading teams and how you can contribute to our high-performing culture at Ultrapharm. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention examples of how you've tackled operational challenges in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you into the process quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finsbury Food
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Manufacturing Shift Lead. Familiarise yourself with concepts like Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Think of specific situations where you inspired your team or improved performance. Highlighting your coaching and mentoring experiences will show them you’re ready to take on this role.
✨Emphasise Safety and Quality
Since safety and quality are top priorities for this role, be ready to discuss how you've maintained these standards in previous positions. Share any relevant certifications you have, like IOSH Managing Safely, and explain how you’ve implemented best practices in your past roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their continuous improvement initiatives or how they support leadership development. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the role, and it gives you valuable insights into their culture.
