Shift Operations Manager - Manufacturing

Shift operations manager (Manufacturing) Scope

As a Shift Operations Manager (Manufacturing), you will be responsible for leading all on-shift production activities within the manufacturing facility, ensuring that output, quality, safety, and compliance standards are consistently achieved. You will oversee powder blending, weighing, filling, packing, potting, labelling, and batch coding operations, maintaining strict control of Critical Control Points (CCPs), including sieve integrity and metal detection.

You will play a key role in the day‑to‑day execution of manufacturing operations, supporting the Head of Operations in delivering departmental KPIs and driving continuous improvement across shifts. This role requires a visible, hands‑on leader capable of managing teams, maintaining asset performance, and ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient production of food products.

You will contribute to maximising throughput, minimising downtime, maintaining product quality and traceability, and ensuring a safe, disciplined production environment.

• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, food safety, and environmental regulations across all shift activities
• Maintain adherence to GMP, HACCP, allergen controls, and site quality standards
• Monitor and enforce Critical Control Points (CCPs), including sieve integrity checks and metal detection verification
• Conduct safety observations, audits, toolbox talks, and risk assessments
• Lead by example in promoting a strong safety and quality culture on the shop floor
• Oversee all manufacturing operations during the shift, including blending, filling, packing, potting, labelling, and coding
• Ensure production plans are delivered safely, on time, and to specification
• Monitor output against targets such as UPH, CPU, KGPH, OEE, and schedule adherence
• Manage changeovers, start‑ups, and shutdowns to minimise lost time
• Escalate and coordinate responses to breakdowns, quality issues, or material shortages
• Ensure product traceability and correct batch documentation at all times
• Lead, motivate, and support team leaders, operators, and support functions
• Manage shift handovers to ensure continuity of information and performance
• Plan and allocate labour in line with the production schedule and priorities; monitor attendance and manage shift coverage to maintain operational capability
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and development activities
• Support training, skills development, and succession planning
• Use Short Interval Control, Daily Review Meetings, and GEMBA walks to identify and resolve issues promptly
• Drive accountability for performance across all teams
• Ensure products are manufactured to specification and customer requirements
• Maintain strict adherence to quality systems, SOPs, and work instructions
• Manage non‑conformances, holds, and corrective actions
• Support audits and inspections (internal and external)
• Ensure proper control of allergens and cross‑contamination risks
• Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and losses within production processes
• Lead or support improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles
• Promote standardisation, 5S, and visual management
• Drive initiatives to improve throughput, reliability, and cost efficiency
• Work closely with Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics to ensure operational alignment
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to maximise equipment availability
• Communicate shift performance, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership
• Support new product introductions and process change

• Proven experience in manufacturing leadership, ideally within FMCG, food, or pharmaceutical production
• Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards
• Experience operating in a high-volume, shift-based or 24/7 manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage production teams and deliver performance targets
• Strong knowledge of production KPIs (e.g., UPH, CPU, OEE, KGPH)
• Experience with CCP management and quality control systems
• Ability to analyse operational data and drive improvement
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Effective communicator with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
• Hands‑on leadership style with a strong shop‑floor presence

• Pace:
  Know that speed is your greatest ally. It builds momentum and is key for growth. Go fast.
• Communication:
  Know that team is your greatest asset. Talk to them face to face, Don’t try to go alone.
• Trust:
  When you say you’ll do it, do it. When someone asks for help, you give it.
• Transparency:
  Nothing is off limits, to anyone at any time. Remove walls & call out red tape.
• Challenge:
  Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. We need you to go where you’re scared to.
• Learn:
  Drive a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement.
• 360 Management:
  Manage up, down and across. Regardless of title, everyone is a leader. So Lead.