Production Shift Leader

Qualiko (MHP Food UK); Bilston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualiko (MHP Food UK) is seeking a Shift Leader to oversee the fillet line, ensuring smooth, safe and efficient semi-manual operations on the production floor. You will supervise, coach and motivate a team of ~25–45 operators; plan and allocate tasks and shifts.

You will monitor product quality and hygiene, enforce safety procedures, keep records and drive continuous improvement while reporting to the department manager.

Qualifications

• Proven supervisory experience in food processing or similar production environment.
• Experience with semi-manual production lines and basic troubleshooting.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills with ability to motivate a team.
• Knowledge of quality controls, hygiene and workplace safety requirements.
• Comfortable working in cold environments and wearing PPE.
• Flexible to work early mornings, evenings or weekends; knife handling a plus.
• Formal food-safety/HACCP training or certifications are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities on the fillet lines to meet output, quality and on-time delivery targets.
• Supervise, coach and motivate a team of ~25–45 operators; plan and allocate tasks and shifts.
• Ensure correct set-up and operation of semi-manual workstations; support troubleshooting and quick recovery from stoppages.
• Monitor product quality and hygiene standards and take corrective action when required.
• Maintain accurate production records and report shift performance, incidents and resource needs to the department manager.
• Enforce health, safety and food-safety procedures (PPE, knife handling, HACCP/cleaning protocols).
• Provide hands‑on assistance on the line when needed and cover shortages or train staff.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste and improve ergonomics.
• Participate in team briefings, handovers and training activities; drive a positive, collaborative shift culture.

Skills

People leadership

Food production

Line supervision

Troubleshooting

HACCP

Job description

The Shift Leader ensures smooth, safe and efficient semi-manual operations on the fillet line in the Parts Factory. In the absence of the department manager the Shift Leader is responsible for maintaining production flow, product quality and team performance while complying with food safety and company procedures.

Key responsibilities

• - Lead and coordinate daily production activities on the fillet lines to meet output, quality and on-time delivery targets.
• - Supervise, coach and motivate a team of ~25–45 operators; plan and allocate tasks and shifts.
• - Ensure correct set-up and operation of semi-manual workstations; support troubleshooting and quick recovery from stoppages.
• - Monitor product quality and hygiene standards and take corrective action when required.
• - Maintain accurate production records and report shift performance, incidents and resource needs to the department manager.
• - Enforce health, safety and food-safety procedures (PPE, knife handling, HACCP/cleaning protocols).
• - Provide hands‑on assistance on the line when needed (e.g., to cover shortages, support manual operations or train staff).
• - Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste and improve ergonomics.
• - Participate in team briefings, handovers and training activities; drive a positive, collaborative shift culture.

Qualifications and skills

• - Proven experience in a supervisory or team‑lead role in food processing, poultry, meat or similar production environment.
• - Practical knowledge of semi‑manual production lines and basic troubleshooting.
• - Strong leadership and people‑management skills; ability to motivate and develop operators.
• - Good understanding of quality controls, hygiene and workplace safety requirements.
• - Comfortable working in cold production environments (approx. 2–4 °C) and wearing PPE.
• - Good communication skills and ability to work with multicultural teams.
• - Flexible, reliable and able to work shift patterns including early mornings, evenings or weekends as required.
• - Knife‑handling experience and safe practices are a plus. Formal food‑safety/ HACCP training or certifications are advantageous.

Physical and working conditions

• - Standing and walking for extended periods; some positions require location‑bound work and repetitive motions.
• - Manual exertion is required for certain tasks; handling of slippery/hot product may occur occasionally.
• - Exposure to machine noise and low temperatures (approx. 2–4 °C).
• - Use of personal protective equipment is mandatory.
• - Some tasks carry a risk of injury (e.g., knife use); adherence to safety procedures is essential.

Ready to lead the shift and turn day‑to‑day challenges into real results?

If you enjoy keeping production flowing, raising quality standards, and supporting your team to perform safely and confidently—we want to hear from you!