At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage shift operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Tata Steel, a top global steel producer with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private healthcare, and extensive holiday leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse team while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in plant operations required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 49000 £ per year.
Department: Building systems
Location: Shotton
Salary: £42,000 - £49,000 DOE, plus Shift Premium and Quarterly Bonus
Closing Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026
Interviews to be conducted on w/c 28th September 2026
We believe that our strength is not just in our steel but the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference.
What you will do:
- Plan, manage and oversee operational activities for a shift in a plant to ensure the operation of the plant and the delivery of production goals in line with all relevant safety, legislative, quality and performance standards and targets.
- Own all aspects of people management for the assigned shift, ensuring a consistent leadership approach across all production areas and alignment with parallel shift teams through regular collaboration and best-practice sharing.
- Drive operational excellence by ensuring compliance with the Daily Management System, maintaining adherence to operational standards, and leading process audits and confirmations across the plant.
- Oversee and coordinate all shift operations, optimising resources and balancing priorities to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of production goals.
- Act as the responsible person on-site during out-of-hours operations, making informed decisions and serving as the primary point of contact for senior management regarding plant activities.
- Deliver production targets by working closely with cross-functional teams and ensuring performance meets agreed KPIs, quality standards, timescales, and health and safety requirements.
- Monitor and analyse operational performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities, and implementing improvements to enhance productivity, efficiency, and reliability.
- Develop a strong problem-solving culture by coaching teams to identify root causes, implement sustainable countermeasures, and resolve issues proactively, escalating where necessary.
- Coordinate planned maintenance activities and operational improvement projects to maximise plant availability, operational efficiency, and business performance.
- Lead, coach, develop, and motivate shift team members, creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture that supports engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure robust and effective shift handovers, maintaining clear communication between incoming and outgoing teams and ensuring all operational information is accurately documented and transferred.
- Champion a strong safety culture by leading by example, managing incidents in line with company procedures, leading Level 2/3 SALUS investigations, and actively challenging unsafe behaviours and conditions.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and support cross-functional projects and investigations to ensure business objectives are delivered effectively and on schedule.
What you will need:
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop high-performing teams within a diverse operational environment.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation and translate complex technical information into clear, actionable messages.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships, collaborate across functions, and handle challenging or confrontational situations professionally and constructively.
- Exceptional organisational and planning abilities, including experience managing priorities, deadlines, resources, and competing operational demands within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Proven decision-making and problem-solving capability, with a proactive approach to risk management, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
- Extensive knowledge of plant operations, manufacturing processes, equipment, logistics, and materials management, supported by a strong understanding of operational best practices.
- Comprehensive understanding of health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, with a demonstrated commitment to promoting a strong safety culture.
- Experience applying Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to drive operational performance, efficiency, and reliability.
- A broad understanding of emerging technologies and their potential application within a manufacturing environment.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum Level 5 qualification in Engineering, Science, Leadership & Management, Safety, Materials, Business, Continuous Improvement, or a related discipline.
- NEBOSH Certificate (minimum IOSH qualification) or equivalent health and safety qualification.
- Significant experience in plant operations and manufacturing leadership, ideally gained across multiple operational areas or sites.
- Demonstrable experience leading teams, delivering operational performance, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
What we can offer you:
- A market competitive salary
- 35 days holidays per annum
- Annual Pay Review
- Quarterly Bonus Scheme – subject to business performance
- Private Healthcare Scheme (Individual cover)
- One of the UK’s leading defined contribution pension schemes (10% employer contribution / 6% employee contribution)
- Extensive list of lifestyle benefits including free onsite parking at all of our sites, an employee assistance programme as well as Employee discount scheme for companies including Vodafone, Jaguar Land Rover and also various local services.
Why us?
Tata Steel is one of the world’s top 10 steel producers. The combined group has an annual aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 33 million tonnes with approximately 80,000 employees across four continents. We’re part of the Tata Group, one of the largest, most diverse conglomerates in the world with businesses in the UK including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea.
Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuously improving our performance. Innovating for tomorrow, making a positive impact today.
Tata Steel in the UK is committed to our ambition of reducing energy consumption and to becoming a carbon neutral steelmaker by 2045.
To learn more about who we are and what we can offer our future employees, please click on the link to watch the following video: Tata Steel – A place you can thrive.
Shift Manager employer: Tata Steel
Tata Steel UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Port Talbot facility where innovation meets tradition in heavy industry. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, competitive remuneration, and a collaborative culture that values safety and efficiency. With opportunities for growth and a commitment to sustainability, Tata Steel UK stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift 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 Tata Steel, 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 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 Tata Steel 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 Tata Steel
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Tata Steel, 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 Tata Steel 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.
