Shift Manager

Job Description

We are recruiting for a Production Manager to join a leading food manufacturer in the Leeds area. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, embedding a people‑first culture, and leading continuous improvement across a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment.

You'll be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective running of operations while motivating, developing, and empowering your team to deliver outstanding results.

• Lead and embed a culture of safety, food safety, and compliance across all operations.
• Deliver operational performance against KPIs.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, driving efficiency, waste reduction, and process optimisation.
• Own and deliver hazard assessments, risk assessments, and safety tours, ensuring corrective actions are closed out promptly.
• Be a hands‑on leader and visible presence on the shop floor, ensuring teams are engaged, supported, and empowered.
• Provide strong leadership in team development, recruitment, retention, and training compliance.
• Ensure robust HACCP, allergen management, SOPs, and quality systems are followed and continuously improved.
• Maintain technical and customer compliance, ensuring product quality and standards are consistently met.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to deliver business objectives and support strategic initiatives.

• Food manufacturing background is essential, with proven leadership and people‑management experience in the sector.
• A true people person – able to inspire, coach, and build high‑performing, engaged teams.
• Strong understanding of health & safety standards (IOSH or equivalent qualification desirable).
• Demonstrated ability in planning, logistics, and operational performance tracking.
• Skilled in Excel reporting and data‑driven decision making.
• Knowledge of RCA (Root Cause Analysis), Hazard Analysis, HACCP, and Food Safety.

• Competitive salary package (depending on experience).
• 4 on‑4 off (days & nights) shift pattern.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading food manufacturer.
• A culture that values continuous improvement, collaboration, and people development.
• Career development and progression opportunities.