Shift Supervisor

Shift Supervisor

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
McCain Foods

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support daily operations and lead the team as a Shift Supervisor.
  • Company: Join McCain Foods, a global leader in food production.
  • Benefits: Gain leadership experience, competitive pay, and a supportive work culture.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Perfect for those looking to grow their leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing is a plus; strong communication and safety commitment required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About the role. We have an exciting opportunity for a Shift Supervisor to join our Timaru production team. This is a hands-on role where you’ll support the day-to-day operations of the shift and act as a key second-in-charge (2IC) to the Shift Manager. While this position does not have direct reports, you will play an important role in guiding the team, supporting performance, and stepping in to lead the shift when required. This role is ideal for someone who is ready to build their leadership capability, gaining exposure to the responsibilities of a Shift Manager while being supported to grow into the role over time.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Support the coordination of people, equipment, and resources to achieve production targets
  • Act as 2IC of the shift, stepping in to lead when the Shift Manager is absent
  • Lead by example on the production line – regularly engaging with the team, equipment, and processes
  • Role model a strong safety culture, ensuring safe behaviours are consistently followed across the shift
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and site procedures (HACCP, GMP)
  • Work closely with the packing and processing teams to support efficient product changeovers and operations
  • Use SAP and other systems to accurately capture and manage production activity
  • Support documentation, reporting, and administrative tasks across the shift
  • Coach and support team members, contributing to a collaborative and accountable team environment
  • Identify and support continuous improvement opportunities across safety, quality, and productivity

What you’ll need to be successful:

  • Experience in a manufacturing or production environment (FMCG or food processing experience is highly regarded, but not essential)
  • Demonstrated ability to lead or influence others, even without formal leadership authority
  • A strong commitment to health and safety, with the confidence to speak up and take action when needed
  • Good understanding of production operations and quality standards
  • Confidence working with systems and technology (SAP experience is highly regarded)
  • Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across a diverse workforce
  • A proactive, hands-on approach – comfortable working on the production floor
  • A drive to achieve high standards in safety, quality, and output

About the team. You’ll be joining a collaborative and high-performing crew within our Timaru site, working together in a fast-paced production environment. The team is diverse, with a wide range of cultural and language backgrounds, so strong communication and an inclusive approach are essential. You’ll play an important role in supporting team performance and ensuring clear, consistent communication across the shift. This role contributes to a positive team culture while supporting the Shift Manager and helping deliver consistent shift performance.

About McCain. Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.

Leadership principles. At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

The McCain experience. We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans.

Shift Supervisor employer: McCain Foods

McCain Foods is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Whittlesey where innovation and teamwork thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to high-quality food production. With a commitment to diversity and a supportive culture, McCain Foods stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.

McCain Foods

Contact Details:

McCain Foods Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Shift Supervisor

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 McCain Foods, 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 Supervisor

Leadership Skills
Health and Safety Compliance
Production Operations Knowledge
Food Safety Standards (HACCP, GMP)
SAP Experience
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration

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 McCain Foods 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 McCain Foods

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with McCain Foods, 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 McCain Foods 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.