Manufacturing Team Manager - Nights

pladis; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biscuit and confectionery company based in Carlisle is seeking a Manufacturing Team Manager to lead their operations. You will oversee team performance, ensure production meets targets, and maintain high quality standards. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills and experience in manufacturing, particularly in lean environments. This role offers competitive benefits and a commitment to workplace inclusion.

Benefits

Annual Incentive Plan

Private medical insurance

Stakeholder pension scheme

Life assurance cover

Holiday enhancement scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Discount and cashback scheme

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Financial wellbeing support

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Validated leadership skills with high standards of behavior.
• Experience managing teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Track record of improving operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversee team performance and manage site metrics.
• Ensure production targets are met and labor plans deployed.
• Maintain quality management systems and compliance.

Skills

Leadership skills

Effective communication

Management experience

Lean environment experience

Motivating and influencing others

Tools

SAP

Workday

Autostore

Job description

Overview

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast‑growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

Working Pattern: The shift is Monday to Friday on Night Shift 10pm – 6am.

Based in Carlisle, Cumbria. Site Introduction: Our Carlisle site is proudly recognised as the oldest biscuit factory in the world established in 1831. With a workforce of over 980 people it plays a vital role in our heritage and production capabilities. The site manufactures a range of products including Carrs and Jacobs, operates 9 ovens and 19 packing lines, and processes an impressive 42,000 tonnes of flour annually. Conveniently situated near Carlisle Train Station, the site remains a cornerstone of British biscuit‑making tradition.

Responsibilities

As the Manufacturing Team Manager you will be expected to make a positive impact and deliver results through others by overseeing their development and leading by example. The purpose of your role is to manage people, plant, product and process delivery. You will be responsible for site critical metrics, team performance and operational efficiency.

Key Deliverables

Team Leadership and Development :

• Direct, challenge, motivate, lead and coach team members.
• Conduct regular monitoring, feedback and development initiatives to maintain skills and competencies.

Operational Efficiency :

• Ensure production meets plan targets and deploy the labour plan.
• Manage Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), accuracy, waste recording, downtime, packet weights, labour numbers and efficiency.

System Utilization :

• Utilise and maintain systems like Autostore, Workday, SAP, SFOL, Absence Manager to gather and produce management information.

Communication and Customer Service :

• Ensure effective communication between operations management, support teams and engineering.
• Promote high levels of customer service and identify ways to improve customer satisfaction.

Quality and Compliance :

• Follow Quality Management Systems and procedures.
• Maintain hygiene audit standards and ensure documentation is completed to the required standard.
• Identify and resolve problems in staff production and equipment areas.

Qualifications

Essential

• Validated leadership skills, leading by example demonstrating high standards of behaviour, honesty and integrity.
• Be a confident, effective and challenging communicator and be able to demonstrate a track record in leading teams to drive up standards and improve efficiency in all areas.
• Management experience gained within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience of working within a Lean Environment.
• A consistent track record of delegating, empowering, influencing and motivating people to achieve goals.
• An accountable mentality is crucial.

Desirable

• Experience of working across bakery and snacks processing is preferable.
• Positive approach to self‑development and achieving the skills required to fulfil the role.
• Ability to positively adapt and respond to change for self and others.
• Develop and support people through coaching and feedback to achieve excellence.

Interview Process

1st stage interview: 45 minutes, competency‑based interview based on our company values and your experiences.

2nd stage interview: 60 minutes, a technical interview to understand your skill set, case study or presentation interview.

pladis also uses psychometric and aptitude tests as part of the process. Some processes may differ but we will keep you updated!

Benefits

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – business annual bonus scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• Stakeholder pension scheme.
• Life assurance cover upon enrolment to stakeholder pension scheme.
• Holiday enhancement scheme.
• 1 volunteering day per year.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Discount and cashback scheme.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial wellbeing support.
• Access to great training and development opportunities.

Values

Purpose‑led – We are energized and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite.

Agile – We are ever evolving, never standing still, always improving for our customers and consumers.

Positive – We are highly motivated, optimistic, courageous and inspire each other to be better.

Resilient – We persist in the face of setbacks, quickly adapt, learn and move forward.

Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one.

Equal Opportunity

pladis is an equal opportunities employer. We strive to create a happy and inclusive place to work that is as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support. Where every voice is heard and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform key job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: Years

Vacancy: 1