Production Shift Manager

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.; Folkestone; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 shifts annual leave

Pension matched up to 9%

Annual performance bonus

Life assurance

Health cash plan

Job summary

Church & Dwight UK is seeking a dynamic Shift Manager for our Folkestone, Kent manufacturing plant. You will lead a production team to meet schedules safely, efficiently, and at high quality, reporting to the Site Operations Manager and driving continuous improvement with Lean methodologies.

The role requires Lean manufacturing experience (Six Sigma a plus), FMCG background, GMP familiarity, and strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Lean manufacturing experience is essential; Six Sigma experience is a plus.
• Experience in FMCG with shift operations.
• Experience in supervisory or managerial roles with team development and performance management responsibilities.
• Familiarity with GMP standards and experience in supporting quality and safety audits.
• Competence with digital platforms and a commitment to adopting new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and coach the production team to high engagement and performance.
• Maintain quality compliance and GMP standards.
• Deputise for the Site Operations Manager when needed.
• Support quality and safety audits and implement corrective actions.
• Identify efficiency, quality, or cost variances and drive improvements.
• Champion Lean initiatives to reduce costs and improve processes.
• Lead daily meetings with line leaders to review targets and resolve issues.
• Ensure production paperwork accuracy and move toward a paperless process.
• Manage people development and HR liaison; coaching and guidance.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Communication skills

Team leadership

Problem solving

Digital literacy

Six Sigma (nice to have)

Job description

A collective energy and ambition. A place where you can make a real difference. We’re a company that genuinely cares about our people, our products, our consumers and the environment. Our unique, informal culture champions courage, determination and collaboration. Knowing we have an open and supportive team means each of us has the freedom to take responsibility and ownership. We have a shared passion to work hard, innovate and push boundaries. United by the belief that when we strive for growth, anything is possible. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because: Together We Have the Power to Win.

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for FMCG & Lean manufacturing? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where Safety, quality and efficiency are paramount? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Join our team as a Shift Manager in our Production Department and play a pivotal role in ensuring our production schedule is met safely, efficiently, and at the highest quality standards. Reporting to the Site Operations Manager, you will be at the forefront of driving continuous improvement and fostering a collaborative work environment. This role is based at our Manufacturing Plant in Folkestone, Kent.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the welfare, training, and development of your team, fostering a culture of engagement and excellence.
• Maintain high level quality compliance against the site standards using available tools and processes.
• Uphold Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
• Deputise for the Site Operations Manager as needed.
• Support quality and safety audits, implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Identify and address efficiency, quality, or cost discrepancies.
• Champion Lean methodologies to drive continuous improvement and cost reduction within your shift teams.
• Conduct daily meetings with line leaders to review targets and resolve issues.
• Ensure accurate completion of production paperwork and work towards a paperless process.
• Manage people effectively, from training and development to performance management and HR liaison. Coaching and Guiding is key.

Education & Experience

• Proven experience in implementing and managing Lean manufacturing processes is essential; Six Sigma experience is a plus.
• Previous experience in FMCG is required, with a track record of managing shift operations.
• Experience in a supervisory or managerial role with team development and performance management responsibilities.
• Familiarity with GMP standards and experience in supporting quality and safety audits.
• Competence with digital platforms and a commitment to adopting new technologies.

We're looking for a proactive leader with excellent communication skills and the ability to conduct effective meetings and cascade information throughout the team. You should be well organised and digitally savvy, with a knack for critical and strategic thinking to solve problems and improve processes. Building strong relationships and working collaboratively across departments is essential, as is a strong commitment to maintaining high standards of product quality and safety. A positive attitude and strong problem-solving abilities will help you navigate challenges and keep team morale high.

Work Schedule

This role works 4 on 4 off, rotating between 12-hour day and night shifts.

Benefits

• 23 shifts annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• A pension matched up to 9%
• An annual Company performance-related bonus
• Life assurance cover
• Membership of a health cash plan

Interview Start

Interviews will commence from 1st September 2026.

When applying for a role and sending your cv, you understand that the Company will hold your personal data in relation to your prospective employment and will process that data for legitimate business reasons within the requirements of UK data protection laws currently in effect and will process that data for legitimate business reasons within the requirements of UK data protection laws currently in effect and as they become applicable, including the Data Protection Act 1998, the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679)) and any successor legislation. Candidate Privacy Notice.

About the Company

Church & Dwight is a world‑leader in household and personal care products. Our global brands include ARM & HAMMER®, Batiste, OxiClean, Trojan, XTRA, Nair, First Response, Spinbrush, Orajel, vitafusion, Li’l Critters, Water Pik and FLAWLESS®. Founded in 1846, we have operations globally and are listed in the S&P 500.

For more information on our company, our brands and our culture visit us at http://www.churchdwight.co.uk/