Production Shift Leader

Nutreco; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Nutreco is seeking a Shift Leader in the Netherlands to oversee shift operations and staff coordination. This role involves planning, reporting, and ensuring productivity while maintaining a safe work environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong leadership background, preferably with a Level 5 qualification and forklift license. Responsibilities include coaching employees, conducting performance reviews, and leading continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory role within a production or operational setting.
• Strong coaching and people management skills.
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise shift activities to meet production goals.
• Lead and develop a positive team culture through effective communication.
• Monitor shift performance and address any issues promptly.

Skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Operational expertise

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Level 5 Enterprise Agreement

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Job Description

Administrative / Supervisory Responsibilities (50%)

Shift Planning and Coordination

• Organize, plan, coordinate, and supervise all activities within a shift to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with procedures and policies.
• Execute against daily production priorities set by the Production Manager and production schedules.
• Utilise labour and resources to meet production, cleaning, maintenance, and production requirements.
• Establish work schedules for operators based on staffing and production needs.
• Manage shift leave, relief coverage, and short‑term resource allocation.
• Liaise with Maintenance to coordinate unplanned maintenance with production activities.
• Manage shift operations to enable planned maintenance to occur according to Weekly Maintenance Planning Meeting outcomes.
• Conduct structured pre‑start and shift meetings to communicate production priorities, safety issues, staffing, and operational updates.

Administration and Reporting

• Maintain required production monitoring systems and operational records.
• Complete and distribute a detailed shift report at the end of every shift.
• Maintain accurate records for attendance, leave, overtime, training, incidents, production, quality, and performance.
• Monitor and report on shift KPIs and work with the Production Manager to achieve targets.
• Ensure production order documentation and quality records are completed accurately and on time.

Performance and People Management

• Lead, supervise, coach, and appraise shift employees to build an effective, productive, and positive team culture.
• Monitor employee attendance, behavior, performance, training and address concerns promptly.
• Provide immediate and constructive feedback when standards, behaviors, or KPIs are not met.
• Support and participate in formal performance management and corrective action processes when required.

Communication and Leadership

• Lead a collaborative shift handover process across all areas.
• Act as the primary communication link between the shift team and the Production Manager, other shifts, maintenance, and inbound/outbound teams.
• Build a cohesive and supportive leadership approach on shift to build engagement.
• Participate in Daily Operational Review meetings and other operational meetings as required.
• Escalate major production, staffing, safety, or quality issues appropriately.

Employee Development

• Develop operator capability and competence across all shift functions.
• Train and support new employees through induction and onboarding.
• Cross‑train employees to improve flexibility and overall shift capability.
• Identify skill gaps and create opportunities for employees to learn and develop.
• Support employees in progressing toward greater responsibility and future leadership opportunities.

Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to continuous improvement activities while working with the crew.
• Lead structured problem‑solving and root cause investigations when required.
• Encourage employees to contribute ideas and participate in improvement initiatives.

2. Active Crew Member Responsibilities (50%)

Working as Part of the Crew

• Achieve minimum competency level equivalent to a Level 5 Enterprise Agreement team member.
• Spend 50% of rostered shifts performing productive work as part of the crew such that the role constitutes 0.5 FTE operational labour, but not as an additional number to minimum staffing.
• Operate equipment, complete production tasks, assist with troubleshooting, cleaning, changeovers, and other operational duties as required.
• Step into crew tasks during peak workloads, staffing shortages, start‑ups, shutdowns, and operational interruptions.
• Support the team by assisting wherever required to ensure shift targets are achieved.
• Maintain the same work standards, safety expectations, and accountability expected of all crew members.
• Maintain a visible presence and lead by example in safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork.
• The Shift Leader will obtain and maintain skills to at least the equivalent of a Level 5 operator.
• A Forklift license is required.

Coaching and Supporting the Crew

• Provide coaching and support while working alongside employees.
• Give immediate feedback regarding safe work practices, quality, productivity, teamwork, and behavior.
• Reinforce operating procedures and expectations through practical demonstration.
• Assist employees to solve problems and complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Address performance, lateness, or behavioral issues promptly and professionally.

HSEQ and WHS Responsibilities

• Ensure all employees follow company safety, quality, environmental, and housekeeping standards.
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with safe work instructions, procedures, and statutory requirements.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, hazards, and non‑conformances occurring on shift.
• Implement corrective and preventative actions to reduce risk and prevent recurrence.
• Conduct workplace inspections and risk assessments.
• Take disciplinary action where required to address repeated safety or behavioural breaches.
• Fulfil the role of Chief Warden in accordance with emergency response procedures.
• The Shift leader is responsible for: - Providing and maintaining a safe work environment - Ensuring reasonable working hours and adequate breaks - Protecting employees from bullying, harassment, and discrimination - Providing training and opportunities for feedback - Ensuring compliance with all WHS and industry requirements