At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a dynamic packing team to achieve production goals.
- Company: Join INSPIRED Pet Nutrition, a leading pet food manufacturer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and awesome perks like discounts and healthcare plans.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing or logistics and strong communication skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re currently looking for an Area Shift Leader to join our high‑performing manufacturing site in Crick, working within our packing team. As an Area Shift Leader, you’ll play a key role in supporting your shift team to succeed, creating a safe, positive, and productive environment where people feel empowered to do their best work. You’ll lead by example, balancing operational performance with a strong focus on teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys developing people, leading collaboratively, and making a meaningful impact, whether you’re already in a leadership role or ready to take the next step in your career.
Role Specifics
- 4 on 4 off shift pattern (12‑hour shifts)
- The 4 on 4 off shift pattern offers predictability, extended rest periods and the ability to plan time outside of work.
- Average working hours of 42 hours per week
- Nights shift (18:00 - 06:00)
- Nights shift hourly rate of £21.88 (£19.28 plus shift allowance of £2.60)
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading, coaching, and supporting a team of operatives to achieve shift goals
- Creating a safe, inclusive, and engaged working environment
- Monitoring production output, quality, and operational efficiency
- Supporting training, development, and performance conversations
- Working closely with planning, engineering, and quality teams
- Encouraging continuous improvement and team involvement in problem‑solving
We recognise that great leaders balance work with life outside it, and we encourage open conversations about what support looks like for you.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience leading or supporting teams within manufacturing, production, or logistics
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships
- A calm, organised approach with good problem‑solving skills
- A genuine interest in supporting people to perform and develop
- Flexibility and adaptability within a shift‑based environment
- Knowledge of lean or continuous improvement principles would be beneficial
You don’t need to tick every box to apply - if this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits
- Overtime, enhanced pension, life assurance
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, sick pay, and holiday buy options
- Healthcare cashback plan and Hertility at‑home fertility testing
- Generous discounts on pet food and lifestyle subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, breakdown cover)
- Retail and gym discounts, electric car scheme, free onsite parking and charging
- Onsite canteen, free hot drinks, and modern facilities
About us
INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an innovative, well‑established, and award‑winning pet food manufacturer employing over 1,200 colleagues across the UK and Europe. Our family of brands includes Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butcher's, Classic, Pro‑Nutrition, and Ultra Premium Direct, along with a number of partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel, and Crick produce a wide range of dry, wet, and baked foods enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world. Our ambition is simple: to become a global leader in pet nutrition.
Our Purpose: To create happiness
We’re on a mission to set a new standard of workplace happiness within the pet nutrition industry – one that looks like no other and feels like no other. Our culture is built on INSPIRED’s unique behaviours and colleague experience, creating an environment that excites, empowers, and puts people and pets at the heart of everything we do.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the colleagues and communities we serve. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected and able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We make hiring decisions based on talent, potential and the experience you bring.
We’re committed to being an inclusive employer – please speak with us to discuss job share opportunities, particularly if you’re returning to work, balancing family commitments, or exploring flexible ways of working. We are also committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring equitable access and opportunity for all. If you need any adjustments or support to take part in our recruitment process, please let us know by emailing recruitment@ipn.co.uk.
Area Shift Leader in Crick employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd
INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee happiness and development. With a strong focus on teamwork and continuous improvement, the Area Shift Leader role provides opportunities for personal growth while enjoying benefits such as generous discounts, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in Crick, our state-of-the-art manufacturing site fosters a safe and engaging atmosphere where you can make a meaningful impact in the pet nutrition industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Shift Leader in Crick
✨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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd, 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 Area Shift Leader in Crick
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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd 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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hollybank Trustees Ltd, 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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd 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.