Shift Manager - Kirton

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Hours: 42 per week (4on 4off)

We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Shift Manager to join our Kirton team.

About the role

In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing shift operations, ensuring the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of production targets. You will lead and support operational teams, drive high performance, and ensure quality, safety and productivity standards are consistently achieved while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and lead shift teams to deliver production activities safely, efficiently and in line with operational KPIs.
• Ensure all Health & Safety requirements are met or exceeded, maintaining compliance with legislation, Company standards and the Golden Rules.
• Develop the capability, skills and performance of team members to drive operational excellence and business success.
• Promote and embed a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employee engagement and involvement in improvement initiatives.
• Identify and implement operational improvements that reduce costs, minimise waste, optimise energy consumption and improve overall efficiency.
• Champion best practice to maximise product yield, enhance quality standards and achieve performance targets.
• Manage operating costs and resources effectively to deliver performance in line with business objectives and budget requirements.
• Lead and support all people management activities, including performance management, absence management, employee development and engagement.
• Build positive working relationships across the site, fostering teamwork, collaboration and a strong team culture.
• Effectively manage conflict and employee relations issues to maintain a productive and positive working environment.
• Play an integral role within the plant management team, contributing to operational and strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrate effective resource planning and management to ensure the efficient operation of processes and production activities.
• Drive performance by combining strong production management with continuous improvement activities to meet or exceed operational targets.
• Lead sustainability initiatives within the operation, ensuring energy reduction, waste control and environmental considerations are embedded into processes and procedures.
• Deputise for the Production Manager as required, providing leadership and continuity across the operation.

About you

What we are looking for:

• A flexible and self-motivated individual who can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Self-aware, adaptable and capable of responding positively to changing business needs.
• A proactive approach with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Relevant operational experience within a manufacturing or production environment is essential.
• Previous supervisory or management experience, with the ability to lead, motivate and develop teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong verbal and written interpersonal skills.
• Excellent IT skills, with confidence using operational and business systems.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and other business software applications.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification or willingness to work towards it (desirable).
• IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers qualification (desirable).
• A recognised management qualification (desirable).
• The ability to support, develop and inspire teams to achieve performance goals.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of health and safety, quality and operational performance.

We don’t expect you to tick every box. If you bring the mindset, curiosity and drive to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Why join Forterra

At Forterra, our people are at the heart of what we do. We offer opportunities to develop your skills, build your career and make a real difference as part of a supportive team. Benefits include:

• Pension (up to 10% from us)
• Competitive salary and generous holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme for yourself and family members
• Learning, development and career progression – Opportunities to help you grow
• Aviva Smart Health
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Programme
• Wellhub Wellness Plans & Gym Membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
• Holiday Exchange Scheme
• Sharesave Scheme

& many more!

About Forterra

At Forterra, we don’t just make products, we make an impact. As a leading UK manufacturer of essential clay and concrete building materials our purpose is to help create lasting legacies.

You will be part of a team that values fresh thinking, takes pride in quality, and supports one another to succeed. We create an environment where people feel empowered to bring ideas and grow.

We know that diverse perspectives make us stronger. That’s why we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. If you believe you would be a good fit for the role, we would love to hear from you.

Our values are at the heart of how we work:

Collaborate and Care – We believe we’re stronger together. Teamwork, open communication and looking out for each other are core to how we operate. We also put safety first – protecting people is always our top priority.

Pride in Excellence – We celebrate achievement and take pride in the quality of our work. Whether you’re directly shaping products or supporting our operations, you’ll play a part in delivering excellence for our customers and the communities that we serve.

Innovate to Lead – You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, bring ideas forward and help us find better, smarter ways of doing things. We never stand still – innovation is part of who we are, from sustainability initiatives and product development.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has the support they need to have a fair and positive experience throughout the application process.

Ready to join us?

If you're ready to join a great team at one of the UK’s leading building products manufacturers, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and build your future with Forterra – your next challenge starts here.

Please note that we do not offer visa sponsorship. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.