Production Shift Manager

Enso Recruitment; Ballymena; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Production Shift Manager for a leading company in food production near Belfast. The role demands strong leadership in a high-volume environment, managing team performance, aligning operations with safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and experience in FMCG manufacturing. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Life assurance

Enhanced family leave policies

Employee wellbeing support

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in a similar role or 3+ years’ experience in production management.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve strong results.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team across multiple departments.
• Ensure shift activities align with health & safety and quality standards.
• Manage team performance including training and disciplinary matters.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Continuous Improvement methodologies

Education

Third-level qualification in a relevant subject

Tools

Lean manufacturing tools

Six Sigma

Job description

Overview

This advert is written by Enso Recruitment on behalf of our client.

Enso Recruitment is working on behalf of a well-established company within the food production industry to recruit a Production Shift Manager for a key site based in the greater Belfast area.

This is a critical leadership role within a busy, high-volume manufacturing environment, suited to someone with experience managing teams and operations in an FMCG or similar setting. The successful candidate will play an integral part in driving performance, safety, and quality across the full production process.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of operatives across multiple departments including production, processing, and services.
• Ensure all shift activities align with health & safety, food safety, and quality standards.
• Monitor plant and equipment to ensure efficient operation, effective cleaning, and minimal downtime.
• Manage team performance, including development, training, attendance, and disciplinary matters where required.
• Deliver production schedules on time while improving efficiency and minimising waste and stockholding.
• Maintain high standards across hygiene, housekeeping, and plant presentation.
• Identify and lead process improvements using Lean and CI tools such as Six Sigma.
• Resolve day-to-day production issues including supply, staffing, and machinery challenges.
• Carry out effective shift handovers and communicate clearly with other management levels.

About You

Essential Criteria

• A third-level qualification in a relevant subject, plus 2+ years' experience in a similar role or 3+ years’ experience in a production management role within a manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve strong operational results.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and a strong technical skill set.
• Proven track record in applying continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with KPIs to drive performance improvement.

Desirable

• Experience within food manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools and techniques.

What’s on Offer

• A competitive salary aligned with experience.
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Enhanced family leave policies.
• Employee wellbeing support through a dedicated assistance programme.
• A clear focus on development and progression.

Skills: Manufacturing FMCG Pharmaceutical