At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in a dynamic production environment, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join UPM, a global leader in sustainable materials innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, gym access, and more.
- Other info: Work in a supportive community focused on sustainability and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact every day while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in manufacturing with supervisory experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers to make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils!
We are now looking for a Shift Manager to join our Production Team at our Caledonian mill.
What you will do
- Lead and support a team of production operators, helping create a safe, collaborative and productive work environment.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, company policies and environmental standards.
- Monitor production processes, identify and resolve issues, and implement corrective actions to maintain efficiency and product quality.
- Manage shift schedules, allocate resources and coordinate activities to meet production goals.
- Conduct regular inspections of equipment and facilities, initiating maintenance requests when needed.
- Report on shift performance, including production output, quality metrics and incidents.
- Support and manage people-related processes within the team in line with company practices and policies.
- Support the training, development and growth of team members.
- Build effective working relationships and communicate clearly with other shifts, departments and management.
Who you are
- You have 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- You have supervisory experience and can lead, support and engage a team, creating a positive and productive work environment.
- You have a good understanding of production processes, quality control and safety practices.
- You have strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- You can prioritise tasks and perform effectively in a dynamic production environment.
- You have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- You are proficient in relevant software and production management systems.
- You are willing to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
- You have a technical education or equivalent practical experience; both are valued.
This is what we offer to you
- A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose “We renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils”. Our work is impactful and transformative.
- A caring community: Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We support the work-life balance of all our employees.
- Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi-business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth.
- Responsible employer: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science-based sustainability targets in all areas, from climate change mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.
- Attractive benefits package: We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package including bonus and pension scheme, 25 days holiday plus stat days, free on-site gym, Employee Assistance Programme, employee retail discount scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and on-site electric vehicle charging facilities.
Additional information about the position
This position is located in Irvine, United Kingdom. The position holder will report to Production Manager.
For further information about the role, please contact Vilho Kohonen, Production Manager, at vilho.kohonen@upm.com.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by August 14, 2026. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system. We begin reviewing applications as they are received, and you may be contacted before the application deadline. For support with submitting your application, please contact our HR Services team at careers@upm.com or tel. +44(0)1723502550.
Shift Manager employer: UPM Biochemicals
UPM is an excellent employer that prioritises sustainability and employee well-being, making it a great place for those looking to make a meaningful impact. With a strong focus on teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement, employees at our Caledonian mill benefit from a supportive community, ample development opportunities, and an attractive benefits package. Join us in renewing the everyday for a future beyond fossils, where your contributions truly matter.
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 UPM Biochemicals, 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 UPM Biochemicals 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 UPM Biochemicals
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with UPM Biochemicals, 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 UPM Biochemicals 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.
