Production Shift Leader

Skretting; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Skretting is seeking a skilled Shift Leader in Cambridge to oversee daily operations and ensure optimal performance in production environments. The role involves supervising the team, managing shift activities, and maintaining adherence to safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will exemplify leadership in coaching team members and fostering a positive work culture. Responsibilities include planning shifts, conducting meetings, and addressing operational challenges efficiently.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership skills to supervise and coach a team.
• Ability to manage shift planning and operations effectively.
• Understanding of safety and quality standards in a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Organize and supervise daily operations on shift.
• Conduct safety meetings and communicate priorities.
• Lead a team, providing coaching and performance feedback.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality procedures.

Skills

Team leadership

Shift planning

Safety compliance

Effective communication

Forklift operation

Job description

Administrative / Supervisory Responsibilities (50%)

Shift Planning and Coordination

• Organize, plan, coordinate, and supervise all activities within a shift to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with procedures and policies.
• Execute against daily production priorities set by the Production Manager and production schedules.
• Utilise labour and resources to meet production, cleaning, maintenance, and production requirements.
• Establish work schedules for operators based on staffing and production needs.
• Manage shift leave, relief coverage, and short term resource allocation.
• Liaise with Maintenance to coordinate unplanned maintenance with production activities.
• Manage shift operations to enable planned maintenance to occur according to Weekly Maintenance Planning Meeting outcomes.
• Conduct structured pre-start and shift meetings to communicate production priorities, safety issues, staffing, and operational updates.

Administration and Reporting

• Maintain required production monitoring systems and operational records.
• Complete and distribute a detailed shift report at the end of every shift.
• Maintain accurate records for attendance, leave, overtime, training, incidents, production, quality, and performance.
• Monitor and report on shift KPIs and work with the Production Manager to achieve targets.
• Ensure production order documentation and quality records are completed accurately and on time.

Performance and People Management

• Lead, supervise, coach, and appraise shift employees to build an effective, productive, and positive team culture.
• Monitor employee attendance, behaviour, performance, training and address concerns promptly.
• Provide immediate and constructive feedback when standards, behaviours, or KPIs are not met.
• Support and participate in formal performance management and corrective action processes when required.

Communication and Leadership

• Lead a collaborative shift handover process across all areas.
• Act as the primary communication link between the shift team and the Production Manager, other shifts, maintenance, and inbound/outbound teams.
• Build a cohesive and supportive leadership approach on shift to build engagement.
• Participate in Daily Operational Review meetings and other operational meetings as required.
• Escalate major production, staffing, safety, or quality issues appropriately.

Employee Development

• Develop operator capability and competence across all shift functions.
• Train and support new employees through induction and onboarding.
• Crosstrain employees to improve flexibility and overall shift capability.
• Identify skill gaps and create opportunities for employees to learn and develop.
• Support employees in progressing toward greater responsibility and future leadership opportunities.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to continuous improvement activities while working with the crew.
• Lead structured problem‑solving and root‑cause investigations when required.
• Encourage employees to contribute ideas and participate in improvement initiatives.

Active Crew Member Responsibilities (50%)

• Work as part of the crew – achieve minimum competency level equivalent to a Level 5 Enterprise Agreement team member.
• Spend 50% of rostered shifts performing productive work as part of the crew such that the role constitutes 0.5 FTE operational labour, but not as an additional number to minimum staffing.
• Operate equipment, complete production tasks, assist with troubleshooting, cleaning, changeovers, and other operational duties as required.
• Step into crew tasks during peak workloads, staffing shortages, start‑ups, shutdowns, and operational interruptions.
• Support the team by assisting wherever required to ensure shift targets are achieved.
• Maintain the same work standards, safety expectations, and accountability expected of all crew members.
• Maintain a visible presence and lead by example in safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork.
• The Shift Leader will obtain and maintain skills to at least the equivalent of a Level 5 operator.
• A forklift licence is required.

Coaching and Supporting the Crew

• Provide coaching and support while working alongside employees.
• Give immediate feedback regarding safe work practices, quality, productivity, teamwork, and behaviour.
• Reinforce operating procedures and expectations through practical demonstration.
• Assist employees to solve problems and complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Address performance, lateness, or behavioural issues promptly and professionally.

Cargo HSEQ and WHS Responsibilities

• Ensure all employees follow company safety, quality, environmental, and housekeeping standards.
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with safe work instructions, procedures, and statutory requirements.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, hazards, and non‑conformances occurring on shift.
• Implement corrective and preventative actions to reduce risk and prevent recurrence.
• Conduct workplace inspections and risk assessments.
• Take disciplinary action where required to address repeated safety or behavioural breaches.
• Fulfil the role of Chief Warden in accordance with emergency response procedures.
• Provide and maintain a safe work environment; ensuring reasonable working hours and adequate breaks; protecting employees from bullying, harassment, and discrimination; providing training and opportunities for feedback; ensuring compliance with all WHS and industry requirements.