Shift Lead, Production

Saputo; Nuneaton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global dairy producer in Nuneaton is seeking a proactive Shift Lead Production to join their Operations team. In this role, you will lead a high-performing team on fast-moving production lines, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards while driving continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have experience in the dairy industry and strong leadership skills. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including private health care and opportunities for progression within the UK and overseas.

Benefits

Private Health Care

Bonus scheme up to 10%

Enhanced employer pension contributions

Health cash plan

Discounted branded products

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Experienced in the dairy industry with production management experience.
• Strong communicator with excellent leadership and coaching skills.
• Knowledgeable in Lean manufacturing, HACCP, and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of 18 Production Operators.
• Ensure compliance with health and hygiene standards.
• Monitor performance metrics and troubleshoot issues in real-time.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Communication

Team management

Production management

Education

Certified in IOSH Health & Safety

HACCP Awareness

Tools

Microsoft Office

Production reporting systems

Job description

At Saputo we bring good to the table by making high-quality products investing in our people and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best

SDUKs brands include the Nations favourite cheese brand Cathedral City plus other well-known butter & spreads (Clover Country Life Vitalite Utterly Butterly) functional ingredients and dairy free products.

We are seeking a proactive and hands‑on Shift Lead Production to join our Operations team in Nuneaton. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a high‑performing team across our high speed fast‑moving production lines delivering over 1000 tons of packed product per week. You’ll play a key role in driving operational excellence ensuring compliance and supporting continuous improvement in a fast‑paced FMCG environment.

This role is based at our Nuneaton site. Work pattern: 4 on 4 off days / nights incl weekends.

YOULL MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT MATTER BY

• Leading and motivating a team of 18 Production Operators to meet production targets efficiently
• Ensuring compliance with health & safety food safety (HACCP) and hygiene standards
• Monitoring performance metrics and troubleshooting issues in real‑time
• Driving continuous improvement using Lean tools (SIC T1 / T2 5S GEMBA)
• Championing Saputos Manufacturing Performance System (MPS) and DE&I values
• Collaborating cross‑functionally with Engineering Technical Planning and HR
• Deputising for the Operations Manager when required

YOURE BEST SUITED FOR THE ROLE IF YOU ARE

• Experienced in the dairy industry with experience in production management
• Skilled in leading diverse teams in a fast‑moving FMCG environment
• Knowledgeable in Lean manufacturing HACCP and food safety standards
• A strong communicator with excellent leadership and coaching skills (minimum of 2 years experience in a similar role)
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office tools and production reporting systems
• Certified in IOSH Health & Safety Intermediate Food Hygiene and HACCP Awareness

WE SUPPORT AND CARE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES BY PROVIDING YOU WITH

• Private Health Care
• Bonus scheme up to 10% per annum paid quarterly
• Autonomous and inclusive working environment
• Opportunities for progression within the UK and overseas
• Enhanced employer pension contributions
• Health cash plan – claim money back towards essential healthcare such as dental, eye care etc.
• Access to Thrive 24‑hours a day – a leading and NHS clinically approved app which focuses on general wellbeing
• Long service recognised every 5 years
• Life assurance up to 4× contractual pay
• Discounted branded products
• Free onsite parking
• Individual allocated lockers
• Subsidised staff restaurant opening 8am 6.30pm & 9.30pm 1am
• 25 holidays, 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part‑time employees)
• One paid workday a year to volunteer for a local community or charitable institutions of your choice
• Opportunity to swap traditional UK holidays for dates significant to your cultural and religious beliefs
• My Staff Shop – access to exclusive benefits, free advice and savings – providing great discounts from thousands of the UK’s largest retailers & service providers.

We are an accredited Disability Confident Employer where we strive to ensure our site is inclusive and accessible for all.

We support employment equity. Saputo strives to embed diversity and inclusion in its operations and invites candidates from all horizons to join our team.

To enable you to bring your best we will ensure you are provided with any physical or non‑physical adjustments to support your participation in the job application and interview process.

#SDUK2025

Agencies – Thank you for your interest in working with Saputo Dairy UK. We have a PSL who will be supporting us if needed. We do not pay fees or acknowledge any CVs supplied to Saputo Dairy UK unless you have been briefed on the role by a member of the Talent Acquisition Team.

In the UK Saputo is a producer of leading British food brands and value‑added ingredients. We manufacture a range of cheeses, dairy spreads and dairy‑free products with a portfolio of well‑loved brands including Cathedral City, Clover Country Life, Frylight and Wensleydale.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance or in any other function, your role is integral to our success.

You will make contributions that matter all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.