Shift Production Manager; FMCG manufacturing

Position: Shift Production Manager (FMCG manufacturing)
This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to join one of the biggest success stories within FMCG where you will have a leading role in leading and delivering manufacturing excellence.

Client Details

Our client is a real success story within the FMCG sector, known for its commitment to delivering high-quality products and challenging competitors, they've seen impressive 20% yoy growth in the past 12 months. Focused on innovation and operational excellence within their industry they've recently had major investment including a new state of the art manufacturing site.

Description

PM shift - Monday to Friday

2pm-10:30pm

Health, Safety & 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), such as sieve integrity and metal detection verification
Conduct safety observations, audits, toolbox talks, and risk assessments
Lead by example to promote a strong safety and quality culture on the shop floor

Operational Excellence

Oversee all manufacturing operations during the shift, including: blending, filling, packing, potting, labelling, and coding
Deliver production plans safely, on time, and to specification
Monitor performance against key metrics: UPH, CPU, KGPH, OEE, and schedule adherence
Manage changeovers, start-ups, and shutdowns to minimise downtime
Escalate and coordinate responses to breakdowns, quality issues, or material shortages
Maintain product traceability and ensure accurate batch documentation

People Leadership

Lead, motivate, and support team leaders, operators, and support functions
Manage effective shift handovers to ensure continuity
Plan and allocate labour according to schedule and operational priorities
Monitor attendance and manage shift coverage
Conduct performance reviews, coaching, and development conversations
Support training, skills development, and succession planning

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

Use Short Interval Control, Daily Review Meetings, and GEMBA walks to identify and resolve issues
Drive accountability for performance across all teams
Ensure products meet specification and customer requirements
Maintain strict adherence to quality systems, SOPs, and work instructions
Manage non-conformances, product holds, and corrective actions
Support both internal and external audits and inspections
Control allergens effectively and minimise cross‑contamination risks

Lean Manufacturing & Efficiency

Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and production losses
Lead or support improvement initiatives using Lean principles
Promote standardisation, 5S, and visual management
Drive improvements in throughput, reliability, and cost efficiency

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Planning, Engineering, Quality, and Logistics to maintain operational alignment
Coordinate with maintenance teams to maximise equipment uptime
Communicate shift performance, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership
Support new product introductions and process changes

Profile

Extensive background in leading manufacturing operations, preferably within fast‑moving consumer goods, food production, or pharmaceutical sectors
Strong grasp of GMP, HACCP, and essential food safety requirements
Proven capability working within high‑output, shift‑driven or 24/7 production environments
Demonstrated success in managing production teams and consistently achieving operational targets
Well‑versed in key performance metrics such as UPH, CPU, OEE, and KGPH
Practical experience overseeing CCPs and maintaining robust quality assurance systems
Skilled in analysing operational performance data to identify opportunities and implement improvements
Working knowledge of Lean principles, including 5S and continuous improvement methodologies
Effective communicator with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities
Hands‑on leader with a visible, proactive presence on the production floor

Job Offer

£45,000

10% bonus