Production Shift Manager in Cornwall

I'm exclusively supporting a long-standing and highly respected food manufacturing business in Cornwall as they continue through an exciting period of expansion, investment and growth. As part of that journey, they're looking to appoint a Production Shift Manager who can take ownership of shift performance, lead from the front and help build on the strong foundations already in place.

The Opportunity

You'll take responsibility for leading the production operation across your shift, with accountability for people, safety, quality, performance and delivery. This is a role where your presence will genuinely matter. You'll be the senior operational leader on shift, making decisions, setting standards and ensuring the team has everything it needs to deliver safely, efficiently and consistently. You'll lead a production team through a highly controlled food manufacturing process, ensuring key parameters, hygiene standards, quality requirements and production targets are consistently achieved. From start-up and in-process checks through to troubleshooting, performance management and continuous improvement, you'll be close to the operation and expected to make confident decisions in real time.

But this isn't simply about hitting production numbers. It's about building people. You'll coach and develop your team, manage attendance and performance, identify skills gaps and create an environment where people understand what good looks like - and have the support to achieve it. You'll also work closely with Technical, Engineering and Planning to solve problems, improve performance and continually raise operational standards.

What makes this opportunity different? The business is investing heavily in its future. There is expansion, development and significant opportunity ahead, making this an exciting time to join. For the right person, this role can become much more than the next line on your CV. It offers the chance to establish yourself within a growing manufacturing operation, broaden your leadership capability and build a long-term career within a highly respected business. If you're currently a Production Supervisor or Team Leader and feel ready to step into a management position, you'll be considered. What matters most is that you have the ambition, leadership capability and appetite to grow.

What we're looking for

• Experience leading teams within food manufacturing, FMCG or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production processes, food safety, quality and operational standards.
• The confidence to make decisions and take ownership of shift performance.
• A hands-on leadership style with the ability to motivate, coach and develop people.
• The ability to balance firmness with fairness and build a positive team culture.
• A detail-conscious, meticulous and hardworking approach.
• A genuine desire to improve - both yourself and the operation around you.
• Ideally, previous experience as a Shift Manager, Production Manager, Production Supervisor or Team Leader ready to step up.

Above all, we're looking for someone who takes responsibility, communicates openly and believes in doing the right thing - even when it's difficult.

The Shift Pattern: 4 on 4 off (days and nights)

If you're an experienced Production Supervisor or Team Leader looking for that next step - or an established Shift Manager looking for a business where you can genuinely make an impact - I'd be keen to speak with you. This is an opportunity to join a business with a strong heritage, an exciting future and the ambition to keep investing in its people and operation. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.