Production Shift Manager

Production Shift Manager Paddock Wood, Kent £50,000 – £55,000  bonus  excellent benefits Double day shift (6am–2pm / 2pm–10pm, rotating) The Company We are recruiting on behalf of a family-owned, global manufacturing business supplying specialist ingredients to some of the world's best-known breweries and beverage producers. The site is semi-automated and highly process-driven , with production underpinned by scientific and food-grade manufacturing standards.

The business invests heavily in R&D, has a strong market position with minimal competition, and is currently in a period of sustained growth. Internal promotion and long-term career development are actively encouraged.

The Role An opportunity has arisen for a Production Shift Manager to lead a rotating double day shift at a modern manufacturing site in Kent. You will be responsible for a team of approximately 10 production operators , with full ownership of shift performance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. This is a hands-on leadership role within a regulated, high-standards environment.

Key Responsibilities Lead safely:
Build and maintain a proactive health & safety culture, challenge unsafe behaviours, conduct audits and ensure incidents are investigated with actions closed Develop people:
Coach, mentor and train operators to create a skilled, flexible and engaged team Manage performance:
Own all shift activities including labour planning, production targets, quality checks and documentation Maintain hygiene standards:
Champion food-grade hygiene and high housekeeping standards Drive improvement:
Lead daily GEMBA meetings, track KPIs and deliver continuous improvement initiatives Take accountability:
Lead CAPA investigations, identify root causes and implement long-term corrective actions About You Essential:
Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment Strong people-management and coaching skills Good understanding of production processes, quality systems and hygiene standards Confident managing performance through KPIs Desirable:
Experience in a brewery or other process-driven environment Knowledge of FSSC 22000 and/or ISO 9001 Background in food, drink, chemical or scientific manufacturing Shift Pattern Week 1: 6:00am – 2:00pm Week 2: 2:00pm – 10:00pm 40 hours per week Salary & Benefits £50,000 – £55,000 (inclusive of shift allowance and loyalty payment, paid 13 times per year) Annual bonus linked to business performance 25 days holiday  bank holidays Pension:
Employer contribution of 9% (minimum employee contribution 2%) Private medical insurance Wellness cash plan (dental, optical and wellbeing benefits) Flexible benefits platform with retail, gym and lifestyle discounts Clear opportunities for career progression and internal promotion