Shift Manager

DS Smith; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global packaging company is seeking a Production Shift Manager in England to lead production teams and ensure high-quality manufacturing standards. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership capabilities and manufacturing experience. The role includes competitive benefits such as a pension scheme, sick pay, and holiday entitlements. Join us to drive operational excellence and foster a positive culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Qualifying Sick Pay scheme

Pension scheme & Life insurance

Share Save scheme

Income Protection

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Virtual GP services

Cycle to Work discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leader that builds trust and drives engagement.
• Ability to adapt and lead through change.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate production teams for operational excellence.
• Ensure safety and quality compliance on the shop floor.
• Drive engagement and develop individuals to their potential.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Health & safety knowledge

Continuous improvement practices

Job description

Role Overview

At DS Smith, we're redefining packaging for a changing world – and people are at the heart of everything we do. We're now looking for a Production Shift Manager to join our Production team at Blunham, leading our production teams to deliver safe, efficient, and high‑quality manufacturing of corrugated products. As a Shift Manager, you will take full responsibility for all production, conversion, and quality activities during your shift. You'll lead by example, creating a culture where safety, quality, and performance are top priorities. This is a hands‑on leadership role that requires a proactive and visible presence on the shop floor, ensuring your team are supported, engaged, and performing at their best. You'll inspire and develop a diverse team of operators, ensuring clear communication, effective coordination, and high levels of accountability across the shift.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and motivate production teams to achieve operational excellence in safety, quality and output.
• Ensure strong leadership presence on the shop floor, providing guidance, support and clear communication to all team members.
• Drive engagement by setting clear expectations, recognising achievements and developing individuals to reach their potential.
• Maintain compliance with DS Smith standards, health and safety regulations and customer specifications.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement, waste reduction and performance optimisation.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, planning and quality teams to ensure smooth and efficient production.
• Monitor shift performance through KPIs and actively contribute to long‑term business objectives.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading teams in a manufacturing environment (packaging, print or FMCG experience advantageous).
• A strong, visible leader who can build trust, drive engagement and hold people accountable.
• Excellent communication, coaching and problem‑solving skills.
• A solid understanding of health & safety, quality and continuous improvement practices.
• Resilient, proactive and adaptable – able to lead through change and make confident decisions in a fast‑paced setting.
• Able to work to the required shift pattern.

Shift Pattern

Week 1 – Days 06:00‑18:00 Mon / Tue / Fri / Sat / Sun
Week 2 – Days 06:00‑18:00 Wed / Thu
Week 3 – Nights 18:00‑06:00 Mon / Tue / Fri / Sat / Sun
Week 4 – Nights 18:00‑06:00 Wed / Thu

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Qualifying Sick Pay scheme
• Pension scheme & Life insurance
• Share Save scheme
• Income Protection
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccine
• Cycle to Work and shopping discounts

Our Culture

We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre‑based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world‑leading organisation and do your best work with us!

Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.