Operations Shift Manager

Mars, Incorporated; Batley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global company in Batley seeks an Operational Shift Manager to lead production activities. This role involves ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency in operations while implementing TPM methodologies. Candidates should have proven leadership skills and experience in line management within the manufacturing sector, preferably in food or pet food production. The position requires a hands-on approach and commitment to continuous improvement in a team environment.

Qualifications

• Proven line management experience in manufacturing, preferably in the food or pet food industry.
• Demonstrated experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) implementation.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead production activities, ensuring adherence to safety and operational standards.
• Monitor production KPIs and take corrective actions as needed.
• Drive TPM initiatives and engage operators in maintenance tasks.

Skills

Leadership skills

TPM methodologies

GMP knowledge

Safety compliance

Problem-solving

Job description

Job Description

Location: Leeds, United Kingdom

Work regime: Full-time, shift-based position (days, nights, weekends on a rotating 24/5 shift pattern).

Overview

We are seeking a results-driven Operational Shift Manager to lead production activities within our Birstall Factory. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a hands‑on approach to operations, and proven experience implementing and sustaining TPM methodologies. This role is central to ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

Shift Leadership & Operations

• Lead, coach, and support production teams to meet daily, weekly, and monthly output targets.

• Oversee all manufacturing activities during the shift, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.

• Monitor production KPIs (performance, waste, downtime, throughput) and take corrective actions where needed.

• Coordinate with maintenance, quality, and planning teams.

TPM & Continuous Improvement

• Drive TPM initiatives across the shift, including Autonomous Maintenance, operational meeting structures and focused improvement.

• Facilitate root‑cause analysis

• Engage operators in daily TPM tasks, including equipment care, basic maintenance, and visual management.

People Management

• Direct Line Manager for 20+ associates

• Responsible for labour planning

• Conduct performance discussions, coaching, and training to build operator capability.

• Promote a positive, safety‑focused, and inclusive team environment.

Safety & Quality Compliance

• Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and all food safety standards specific to pet food manufacturing.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations; address near misses, unsafe behaviours, and hazards immediately.

• Investigate deviations and non‑conformances, implement corrective and preventive actions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete daily shift reports, including performance metrics, downtime logs, and operational issues.

• Maintain accurate records of TPM tasks, maintenance activities, and quality checks.

• Communicate shift handover information clearly and effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Proven line management experience in manufacturing/operations; food or pet food industry preferred.

• Demonstrated experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) implementation.

• Strong leadership and team‑management skills.

• Ability to troubleshoot operational problems and drive continuous improvement.

• Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and other food safety standards.

Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site: https://careers.mars.com/global/en

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.