Shift Manager

The Oval Partnership; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oval Partnership is seeking an experienced Shift Manager to lead a busy production area at our Peterborough facility. You will drive safety, quality and on-time production, while coaching Team Leaders and operatives to peak performance.

You will apply Lean methods, manage workforce planning and use ERP systems to optimise operations, ensuring OTIF delivery and continuous improvement across the shift. Experience in FMCG and a strong leadership background are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as Shift Manager or senior manufacturing leader.
• Background in FMCG/food manufacturing or fast-paced production.
• Proven track record in workforce planning and performance management.
• Experience delivering continuous improvement using Lean principles.
• Experience overseeing automated production processes.

Responsibilities

• Take full operational responsibility for your production area, ensuring plans are delivered safely and on schedule.
• Lead, motivate and develop Team Leaders and production teams to high performance.
• Ensure OTIF delivery while maintaining quality and food safety standards.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, Planning and other departments to minimise downtime.
• Monitor production performance using KPIs and data-driven insights.
• Manage workforce planning, labour allocation and productivity.
• Oversee daily production activities including shift handovers and reporting.
• Utilise ERP systems for material variances and root-cause analysis.
• Drive Lean and continuous improvement to reduce waste and improve performance.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee development.

Skills

Leadership

People Management

Lean Manufacturing

KPI Analysis

ERP Systems

Education

Continuous Improvement qualification

IOSH Health & Safety qualification

HACCP Level 2

ILM Level 3

Tools

SAP

Infor M3

Microsoft Office

Job description

Shift Manager (3 shift-pattern early's, afternoons & lates)

Company Overview

Our client is a leading food manufacturer operating within a fast-paced production environment, supplying high-quality products to customers across the UK. With a strong focus on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and employee development, they are looking to strengthen their leadership team with the appointment of an experienced Shift Manager at their Peterborough facility.

Role Overview

As Shift Manager, you will have overall responsibility for your production area, ensuring the safe, efficient and effective delivery of the production plan while meeting customer quality and service expectations.

Leading a team of Team Leaders and production operatives, you'll be responsible for driving productivity, developing your people, improving operational performance, and ensuring all production activities are carried out in line with health, safety and quality standards.

Working closely with the Operations Manager and cross-functional departments, you'll help identify opportunities for continuous improvement while ensuring production targets are achieved on time and in full.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full operational responsibility for your production area, ensuring production plans are delivered safely, efficiently and on schedule.
• Lead, motivate and develop Team Leaders and production teams to achieve high levels of performance and engagement.
• Ensure customer orders are delivered On Time In Full (OTIF) while maintaining quality and food safety standards.
• Coordinate closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning and other operational departments to minimise downtime and resolve production issues quickly.
• Monitor production performance through KPIs, using data to identify trends, improve efficiency and support informed decision-making.
• Manage workforce planning, allocating labour and resources effectively to meet production demands and maximise productivity.
• Oversee daily production activities including shift handovers, housekeeping, workflow management and operational reporting.
• Utilise ERP systems to investigate material variances, conduct root cause analysis and support process improvements.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, reducing waste and improving operational performance.
• Foster a culture where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas, challenge existing processes and support positive change.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, coaching and ongoing development of employees within your department.
• Manage performance, attendance, conduct, holidays and employee development in line with company policies.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, GMP and environmental standards, promoting a strong safety-first culture.
• Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions and work collaboratively with HSE teams to continually improve workplace safety.

Requirements

We're looking for an experienced manufacturing leader who combines strong operational knowledge with excellent people management skills.

• Previous experience in a Shift Manager, Production Manager or senior manufacturing leadership role.
• A proven background within FMCG, food manufacturing or another fast-paced production environment.
• Strong experience managing production teams, workforce planning and performance management.
• Demonstrable success delivering continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience overseeing automated production processes.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and communication skills with the ability to build high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using KPIs and production data to drive operational improvements.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working with ERP systems such as SAP or Infor M3.
• The ability to make sound decisions under pressure while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and customer service.

Qualifications

• Continuous Improvement qualification.
• IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
• HACCP Level 2.
• ILM Level 3 or another recognised leadership qualification.