At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a team in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a global leader in food and snack manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift allowance, bonus, private healthcare, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Genuine opportunities for internal progression and career development.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions and grow your career in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of leadership experience in complex operational settings.
Leicester | £45,000–£46,000 + 23.5% Shift Allowance | £55,575–£56,810 + 7.5% Bonus
12-hour continental shifts: 4 days on, 4 off, 4 nights on, 4 off
Are you an experienced leader who enjoys taking ownership, developing people and making decisions in a fast-paced, complex environment? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to move into food manufacturing but haven’t been given the opportunity because your experience has been gained in another industry. This could be that opportunity.
We’re recruiting a Production Shift Manager to join a global leader in food and snack manufacturing at its largest UK manufacturing facility in Leicester. It’s a large-scale, fast-paced operation with significant investment, genuine career opportunities and the chance to build your career within a global manufacturing business.
The Role
You’ll lead a frontline team of approximately 40–60 people, taking responsibility for safety, quality, people and operational performance. People leadership is at the heart of the role. You’ll coach and develop your team, manage performance, set clear expectations and create an environment where people are empowered to perform at their best. You’ll also have real autonomy. Particularly when working nights, you’ll need the confidence to solve problems and make sound decisions without always having senior leadership immediately available.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, coaching and developing a team of 40–60 people.
- Championing safety, quality, GMP and operational standards.
- Managing attendance, performance and conduct.
- Developing team capability through coaching and meaningful 1-to-1s.
- Using data and structured problem-solving to improve performance.
- Taking ownership and making effective decisions in complex or ambiguous situations.
- Working with operational leaders to drive continuous improvement.
What We’re Looking For
You don’t need to come from food manufacturing to succeed here. We’re particularly interested in experienced leaders who have wanted to move into food or FMCG manufacturing but haven’t previously been given the opportunity. We’re keen to hear from military personnel transitioning into industry, military veterans and leaders from non-food manufacturing environments, including automotive, aerospace, engineering, process and heavy manufacturing.
You’ll need at least three years’ experience directly managing frontline teams and the ability to demonstrate:
- Strong people leadership, coaching and performance management.
- Experience leading within a complex operational environment.
- The confidence to take ownership and make decisions under pressure.
- The ability to work effectively with ambiguity and limited information.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Experience using operational data to solve problems and improve performance.
- Food or FMCG experience is welcomed, but it isn’t essential.
Bring us your leadership experience – we’ll give you the opportunity to apply it in a world-class food manufacturing environment.
Why Join?
You’ll be joining the business’s largest UK manufacturing facility, employing approximately 1,000 people and benefiting from around £60 million of investment in 2026 alone. There are genuine opportunities to develop your career within a global organisation, with approximately 60% of recruitment taking place internally and opportunities for both progression and lateral career moves.
Salary & Benefits
- £45,000–£46,000 basic salary
- 23.5% shift allowance – total £55,575–£56,810
- 7.5% annual bonus
- Private healthcare, with family options through salary sacrifice
- Pension with up to 10% company contribution
- Career development and internal progression
If this sounds like the kind of Production Shift Manager role you have been looking for, apply now or contact Ruth or Stuart at Wagstaff for a confidential conversation.
Wagstaff Recruitment & Career Coaching Building Trusted Relationships to Create Great Opportunities since 2010
Shift Production Manager employer: Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment
Join a dynamic team as a Maintenance Engineer, where your skills will be valued in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive compensation and a commitment to minimising downtime, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring our production runs smoothly while enjoying the benefits of working in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Production Manager
✨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 Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment, 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 Production Manager
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 Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment 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 Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment, 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 Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment 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.
