Senior Production / Shift Manager - A Shift

Branston Ltd; Kemp Town Estate; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to 7.5%

Pension contributions

Private Health Insurance

Life Assurance

Onsite Parking

Free fruit and potatoes

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Flu vaccines

Refer a friend

Job summary

Branston Ltd is seeking a Senior Production / Shift Manager to drive performance and continuous improvement across our food manufacturing operations. You will own shift output, cost efficiency, quality, and team development within a KPI‑driven culture.

The role requires leading large production teams, delivering data‑driven decisions, and ensuring adherence to H&S, GMP and quality standards. A strong bias toward continuous improvement is essential.

Qualifications

• Senior production management experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong track record managing large KPI-driven teams.
• Advanced data interpretation and analytical skills.
• Experience with cost analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficient in Excel and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyse production data and short interval controls to identify trends and improvements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and optimise costs.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Technical teams to improve machine reliability and performance.
• Drive reductions in downtime by analysing start times, breaks and delays.
• Forecast labour requirements based on production plans and monitor labour KPIs.

Skills

Senior production management

Data analysis

Cost analysis

Communication

GMP & quality standards

Tools

Excel

Job description

Senior Production / Shift Manager - A Shift

Senior Production / Shift Manager Food Manufacturing

Location: Branston

About the Role

Branston is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Production / Shift Manager to drive operational excellence across our production facilities. This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role suited to candidates who have managed large teams in a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment and thrive in KPI‑driven settings. You will take full ownership of shift performance, cost efficiency, quality standards, and team development, while leading a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence. If you are passionate about data‑driven decision‑making, cost analysis, and delivering measurable results this is your opportunity to make a real impact.

Shift Pattern

• A Shift 06:30 to 19:00
• Week 1: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
• Week 2: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday

Key Responsibilities

Operational Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Analyse production data and short interval controls to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, optimise costs, and enhance quality.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Technical teams to improve machine reliability and performance.
• Drive reductions in downtime by analysing start times, breaks, and operational delays.
• Identify opportunities to reduce packaging waste and maximise crop utilisation.

Reporting & Compliance

• Deliver detailed performance reports covering KPIs such as giveaway, waste, downtime, and labour efficiency.
• Support investigations relating to Health & Safety, GMP, SOP compliance, and non-conformances.
• Ensure accurate documentation and alignment across Section Managers and shift teams.

Labour Management & Planning

• Forecast labour requirements based on production plans and operational demands.
• Monitor labour KPIs, validate agency usage, and manage daily labour tracking.
• Investigate discrepancies and ensure optimal workforce deployment.
• Provide leadership cover for Section Managers where required.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop large production teams to achieve business objectives.
• Conduct 1:1s, performance reviews, and development planning.
• Oversee onboarding and training of new starters, ensuring strong performance from day one.
• Build succession plans and develop future leaders within the operation.

Shift Accountability & Culture

• Take full accountability for shift performance across productivity, safety, and quality metrics.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Lead by example, promoting company values in all interactions.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in senior production management within food manufacturing.
• Strong track record of managing large teams in a KPI-driven environment.
• Advanced analytical and data interpretation skills, with experience driving improvements through insight.
• Demonstrated experience in cost analysis and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficient in systems such as Excel and reporting tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Strong commitment to health & safety, GMP, and quality standards.

Why Join Branston?

• Opportunity to lead at a senior level in a high‑performing food manufacturing environment
• A role with real influence over performance, cost, and continuous improvement strategy
• Work within a business that values innovation, people development, and operational excellence

Benefits

• Company bonus scheme (up to 7.5%)
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Private Health Insurance
• Life Assurance & critical illness cover
• Onsite Parking
• Free fruit & potatoes
• Electric salary sacrifice car scheme
• Flu vaccines
• Refer a friend scheme

If you're a results-driven leader with a passion for data, performance, and people, we want to hear from you.