Production Shift Manager in Pontefract

Job Title: Shift Manager (Food Manufacturing)

Salary: £40,000

Location: West Yorkshire

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Overview

The Flavour Network are partnered with an established food manufacturing business in West Yorkshire to recruit a Shift Manager to support the effective running of its production operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing manager or production leader who enjoys leading teams, driving performance and ensuring production targets are achieved without compromising on safety, quality or customer standards.

You'll take responsibility for the day-to-day management of production activities, ensuring labour and resources are deployed effectively, operational issues are addressed promptly and products are manufactured to the standards expected by customers.

Working closely with production teams, maintenance colleagues and senior management, you'll play a key role in improving efficiency, maintaining compliance and creating a positive, accountable working culture.

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience in food manufacturing, although strong production management experience gained in another manufacturing environment will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities for the Shift Manager

• Oversee day-to-day production operations, ensuring production targets, customer requirements and agreed service levels are consistently achieved.
• Lead, motivate and develop production supervisors and teams, promoting accountability, teamwork and high performance.
• Champion food safety and quality standards, ensuring production processes comply with relevant legislation, company procedures and customer specifications.
• Plan and allocate labour effectively, ensuring all production areas are appropriately resourced to meet operational demands.
• Monitor production performance, review KPIs and provide accurate, timely reports to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with maintenance teams and external contractors to coordinate planned preventative maintenance, repairs and equipment upgrades.
• Ensure site facilities, machinery and equipment are maintained to the required standards, supporting safe and efficient operations.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, minimise downtime and make better use of resources.
• Monitor raw material usage against stock allocations, identifying discrepancies and addressing potential waste or stock losses.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, environmental, fire safety and other relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate audits, inspections and remedial actions, ensuring any identified issues are addressed promptly.
• Maintain accurate records relating to inspections, certifications, permits and operational compliance.
• Support the planning and delivery of site improvement projects, including operational upgrades and modernisation initiatives.
• Identify training and development needs, supporting employees to build their skills and creating opportunities for progression within the department.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders and senior management to ensure a coordinated approach across production and supporting functions.
• Support the implementation of business objectives, company policies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deputise for the Factory Manager when required, helping to maintain operational continuity and effective site management.

Requirements for the Shift Manager

• Previous experience in a management or supervisory role within a manufacturing environment is essential.
• Experience leading production teams and managing day-to-day operational performance.
• Strong people management skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and support employees.
• A target-driven approach, with the ability to deliver production plans and maintain operational standards.
• Good understanding of production processes, resource planning and operational efficiency.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to produce accurate operational reports.
• A proactive approach to health and safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across different departments.
• Experience within food production or food manufacturing would be advantageous.
• HACCP Level 2 and IOSH Managing Safely qualifications would also be beneficial.

If you're an experienced manufacturing or production leader looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.