Graduate Shift Manager: Lead Production & Improvement

Step; Northampton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Step in Northampton is seeking a Graduate Shift Manager to lead manufacturing operations on a 3-week rotating shift. The role focuses on safety, continuous improvement, and people development while ensuring efficient production planning and execution.

You will drive performance, mentor teams, and collaborate with planning, engineering, and dispatch to optimise output and quality. This is a full-time permanent position offering clear career progression within a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, business management or supply chain is preferred.
• Proven leadership experience in manufacturing environments.
• Strong organisational and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop production teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Promote and embed a strong health and safety culture across all areas of responsibility.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training, and employee development activities.
• Monitor team, equipment, and production performance, implementing corrective and preventative actions where required.
• Coordinate day-to-day production activities to maximise productivity and minimise bottlenecks.
• Ensure effective communication between production, planning, engineering, customer service, and dispatch teams.
• Work closely with engineering colleagues to plan maintenance activities and improve equipment reliability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and drive operational efficiencies.
• Monitor resource utilisation, production costs, quality standards, and operational performance.
• Support the delivery of excellent customer service through effective production planning and execution.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Performance management

Organisation

Communication

Problem solving

IT skills

Education

Engineering / Manufacturing / Operations degree

Tools

Lean Manufacturing knowledge

Job description

Step in Northampton is seeking a Graduate Shift Manager to lead manufacturing operations on a 3-week rotating shift. The role focuses on safety, continuous improvement, and people development while ensuring efficient production planning and execution.

You will drive performance, mentor teams, and collaborate with planning, engineering, and dispatch to optimise output and quality. This is a full-time permanent position offering clear career progression within a fast-paced environment.