Shift Manager

Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability Recruitment; Melton Mowbray; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus up to 10%

22 days' annual leave

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability Recruitment is seeking an experienced Shift Manager to oversee two shift teams on a hands-on, rotating 12-hour schedule in a demanding manufacturing environment.

You will lead, coach and develop teams, drive operational performance, and ensure high standards of safety, quality and productivity while coordinating with maintenance, quality and planning to meet targets in a 24/7 operation.

Qualifications

• Proven people management experience in manufacturing or similar environments.
• Strong leadership and coaching abilities with a track record of developing teams.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on production setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production teams across rotating day and night shifts.
• Manage Shift Leaders and Operators, providing coaching and performance management.
• Ensure Health, Safety and Environmental standards are met.
• Monitor KPIs: output, quality, efficiency, downtime.
• Allocate staffing and resources to meet targets and plan production capacity.
• Drive continuous improvement across safety, productivity and performance.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality and Planning for smooth operations.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Operational mindset

Lean manufacturing

Job description

• Shift Pattern: 12-Hour Rotating Days & Nights | 24/7 Operation

We're working exclusively with an established manufacturing business to recruit an experienced Shift Manager.

This is a hands‑on leadership role, responsible for overseeing production across two shift teams.

We're looking for a strong people manager who can lead, coach and develop teams, drive operational performance and maintain high standards of safety, quality and productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop production teams across rotating day and night shifts
• Manage Shift Leaders and Operators, providing coaching, support and performance management
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental standards
• Monitor production KPIs, including output, quality, efficiency and downtime
• Manage staffing, resources and production capacity to meet operational targets
• Drive continuous improvement across safety, productivity and operational performance
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Planning and other departments to ensure smooth operations

About You:

• Proven people management experience is essential, ideally within manufacturing, production, logistics or warehousing
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and manage teams
• Experience working in a fast‑paced, operational environment
• Confident managing performance, resolving issues and making decisions
• Good understanding of Health & Safety and operational KPIs
• Strong communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or continuous improvement would be advantageous

Industry-specific experience is not essential. We're particularly interested in adaptable leaders with a strong track record of managing people and improving team performance.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package
• Discretionary bonus of up to 10%
• 22 days' annual leave within the shift arrangement
• Opportunity to lead and develop established production teams
• Supportive working environment with opportunities to drive operational improvements

Please note:

This position operates on a rotating 12‑hour day and night shift pattern, including weekends and bank holidays.