Production Shift Manager

The Sterling Choice; Letchworth; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sterling Choice is recruiting a Production Shift Manager to take full ownership of one highly automated production line in Letchworth Garden City, on permanent nights (4 on, 4 off) with a team of around 20.

You will report to the Production Manager but on shift you lead the operation, driving safety, quality, waste and efficiency while delivering the production plan.

This role blends people leadership with technical oversight as the site continues its substantial automation upgrade.

Qualifications

• You’ll already have experience leading a sizeable team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Food manufacturing experience would be ideal, particularly with high-speed automated production or packaging lines.
• You could currently be a Production Shift Manager, Shift Manager, Production Team Manager, Manufacturing Manager or a strong Production Supervisor ready to take on more responsibility.
• We’re looking for someone who is comfortable being accountable.

Responsibilities

• Leading, coaching and developing a production team of around 20 people.
• Taking ownership of one highly automated production line.
• Delivering the production plan safely and efficiently.
• Driving performance across OEE, output, waste and downtime.
• Managing individual and team performance across the shift.
• Working closely with Engineering to improve reliability and minimise downtime.
• Leading effective shift handovers and communicating performance clearly.
• Driving continuous improvement across your area.
• Maintaining high standards across food safety, quality and H&S.
• Reporting directly into the Production Manager.

Skills

Team leadership

Shift management

People development

Continuous improvement

OEE tracking

Tools

Automation equipment

Job description

Production Shift Manager

Letchworth Garden City | Nights | 4 on, 4 off

£16m has just been invested into this manufacturing operation.

New equipment. Increased automation. A site that’s investing heavily in where it’s going next.

Now they need someone to lead it.

We’re looking for a Production Shift Manager to take full ownership of one highly automated production line, leading a team of around 20 people on the night shift.

You’ll report into the Production Manager, but when you’re on shift, this is your operation.

Your line. Your team. Your numbers.

You’ll be responsible for getting the best out of both the people and the equipment, making sure the shift delivers against its production plan while maintaining standards across safety, quality, waste and efficiency.

And with 20 people looking to you for leadership, this is as much about people as it is production.

You’ll be visible on the floor. Setting expectations. Coaching and developing your team. Managing performance. Making sure everyone knows what good looks like.

At the same time, you’ll know your numbers.

Where are you losing OEE? Why is waste increasing? What’s causing downtime? What needs to change to get more from the line?

What will you be doing?

• Leading, coaching and developing a production team of around 20 people
• Taking ownership of one highly automated production line
• Delivering the production plan safely and efficiently
• Driving performance across OEE, output, waste and downtime
• Managing individual and team performance across the shift
• Working closely with Engineering to improve reliability and minimise downtime
• Leading effective shift handovers and communicating performance clearly
• Driving continuous improvement across your area
• Maintaining high standards across food safety, quality and H&S
• Reporting directly into the Production Manager

What are we looking for?

You’ll already have experience leading a sizeable team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Food manufacturing experience would be ideal, particularly if you’ve worked with high-speed, automated production or packaging lines.

You could currently be a Production Shift Manager, Shift Manager, Production Team Manager, Manufacturing Manager or a strong Production Supervisor ready to take on more responsibility.

We’re looking for someone who is comfortable being accountable.

Someone who can lead 20 people, understand what’s happening on their line and drive performance rather than simply report on it.

The setup:

Letchworth Garden City

Permanent Nights

4 on, 4 off

Team of approximately 20

One highly automated production line

£16m recently invested into the operation

Reporting into the Production Manager

The equipment has had the investment.

Now they need the leadership to get the best out of it.