Operations Shift Manager

Mars; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in West Yorkshire is seeking an Operational Shift Manager to lead production activities. The role involves overseeing manufacturing activities, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and driving continuous improvement through TPM initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and proven experience in a manufacturing environment. This full-time role offers a shift-based structure that includes days, nights, and weekends.

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 food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach production teams to meet output targets.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Drive TPM initiatives and engage operators in daily tasks.
• Conduct performance discussions and promote a positive environment.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Continuous improvement

TPM methodologies

Operational problem-solving

Job description

Job Description :

Location : Leeds United Kingdom

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. 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.

Required Experience

Manager

Employment Type

Full‑Time

Experience

years

Vacancy

1