Operations Shift Manager

MARS Care & Treats; Batley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet food manufacturer in Batley is seeking an Operational Shift Manager for their Birstall Factory. The successful candidate will lead production activities, manage a team of over 20 associates, and drive initiatives related to Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Responsibilities include ensuring high-quality production, monitoring key performance indicators, and complying with safety standards. Strong leadership and proven experience in the food industry are essential. This full-time position operates on a rotating shift pattern.

Qualifications

• Proven line management experience in manufacturing or operations.
• Experience in the food or pet food industry preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and support production teams to meet targets.
• Monitor production KPIs and take corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Complete daily shift reports and maintain records.

Skills

Leadership skills

TPM methodologies

Troubleshooting operational problems

Team management

Knowledge of GMP and HACCP

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.