Operations Shift Manager

Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates; Batley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global company in Batley is looking for an Operational Shift Manager to oversee production activities at their Birstall Factory. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), ensuring safe and efficient product operations. This role includes managing teams, maintaining quality and safety compliance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced environment. Join us for a rewarding career path with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven line management experience in manufacturing/operations, preferably in food or pet food.
• Demonstrated experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) implementation.
• Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and other food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach production teams to achieve output targets.
• Oversee manufacturing activities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Drive TPM initiatives and engage operators in maintenance tasks.
• Conduct performance discussions and training for associates.
• Complete daily shift reports and maintain records of operations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Operational problem-solving

Continuous improvement knowledge

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.

What are we looking for?

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.