At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production teams in Injection Moulding and Extrusion, driving safety and performance.
- Company: Join Polypipe Building Services, a respected leader in the manufacturing industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, a supportive culture, and stability within the Genuit Group.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values your ideas and contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence and team development in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing and strong continuous improvement skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
- Closing Date For Application
- Wednesday 19/08/2026
Are you an experienced manufacturing leader with a passion for continuous improvement, people development, and operational excellence?
At Polypipe Building Services, we're looking for a Production Shift Leader to take ownership of our Injection Moulding and Extrusion operations, driving safety, performance, quality, and engagement across our production teams.
The Opportunity
As Production Shift Leader, you will lead and coordinate all resources and processes within our Injection Moulding and Extrusion departments.
You'll be responsible for ensuring production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards, while driving a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll have a direct impact on operational performance, team development, and business improvement initiatives.
This role will be on a 3 shift basis, covering days, nights and afters.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead production teams to deliver daily and weekly manufacturing plans on time, in full, and at the required quality standards.
- Drive safety excellence, ensuring adherence to Safe Systems of Work and promoting proactive near‑miss reporting.
- Monitor and improve performance through KPIs, SMART objectives, OEE, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Use CI tools such as PDCA to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and embed sustainable improvements.
- Plan labour requirements based on production schedules and machine loading.
- Conduct incident investigations and reporting using Alcumus.
- Coordinate daily production meetings and ensure effective shift handovers.
- Support key operational projects, including sustainability and increased recycled material initiatives.
- Maintain exceptional housekeeping standards across production areas.
- Produce monthly performance reports and communicate key operational metrics.
- Manage attendance, training, development, disciplinary matters, and employee engagement.
- Develop and monitor personal development plans for team members through the PDR process.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
About You
We're looking for a proactive and inspiring leader who can motivate teams, solve problems, and deliver results in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience in a production or operational leadership role.
- Manufacturing experience is essential.
- Strong track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
- Strong communication and people management abilities.
- Experience coaching and developing teams to achieve high performance.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
- IOSH qualification (or equivalent).
- Continuous Improvement qualification and/or practical CI experience.
Desirable
- Experience within Injection Moulding and/or Extrusion manufacturing environments.
- Experience leading small to medium-sized improvement projects.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a respected industry leader with over 50 years of success.
- Join a business that genuinely invests in its people and development.
- Work within a supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas are valued.
- Play a key role in driving operational excellence and business improvement.
- Benefit from the stability and opportunities that come with being part of the Genuit Group.
If you're a driven manufacturing leader who embodies the qualities of being Hungry, Humble, and Smart, we'd love to hear from you.
Here at the Genuit Group we recognise and develop the contribution our people make to the Group’s success and are committed to attracting talent from the widest pool.
We have a role to play in making the built environment more sustainable, building a low carbon business ourselves as well as delivering sustainable solutions at scale.
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Production Shift Manager in Aylesford employer: Polypipe
Polypipe Building Products is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Mason Pinder site in Thorne, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous growth opportunities, competitive benefits including a contributory pension scheme, and a supportive culture that values well-being through initiatives like on-site physiotherapy and counselling services. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable building solutions while enjoying a balanced work-life with generous holiday entitlement and flexible working hours.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Shift Manager in Aylesford
✨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 Polypipe, 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 Production Shift Manager in Aylesford
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 Polypipe 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 Polypipe
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Polypipe, 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 Polypipe 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.
