Shift Leader, Food & Beverage — Drive Performance & Safety

Mason James Appointments (UK) Ltd; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Maidstone is seeking a Production Shift Manager to oversee operations in a dynamic environment. The role includes leading a team, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and driving production targets. Applicants should have experience in FMCG or similar fields and be comfortable using systems like SAGE and MS Office. This full-time position offers a salary starting at £40,341, rising to £44,375 after a six-month probation period, with Monday to Friday rotating shifts.

Benefits

Ongoing investment in development opportunities

Hands-on leadership role with real influence

Qualifications

• Experience as a Production Shift Manager, Supervisor or Team Leader in food, drink, FMCG or similar manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP and food safety standards.
• Confident leading teams in a fast‑moving production environment.
• Good communication, planning, and people‑management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead your shift to meet daily safety, quality, and production targets.
• Deliver clear, structured handovers between shifts.
• Plan staffing levels and manage attendance/agency labour.
• Coach, support and develop your team to achieve consistent performance.
• Hold daily briefings to communicate priorities and targets.
• Complete end‑of‑shift reports, checks, and essential documentation.
• Work with Engineering to report issues and minimise downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement using lean tools and problem‑solving.

Skills

Leadership in production environments

GMP knowledge

HACCP understanding

Communication skills

Team management

Planning abilities

Tools

SAGE

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

A leading food manufacturing company in Maidstone is seeking a Production Shift Manager to oversee operations in a dynamic environment. The role includes leading a team, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and driving production targets. Applicants should have experience in FMCG or similar fields and be comfortable using systems like SAGE and MS Office. This full-time position offers a salary starting at £40,341, rising to £44,375 after a six-month probation period, with Monday to Friday rotating shifts.