Production Shift Manager

Production Shift Manager

Paddock Wood, Kent
£50,000 – £55,000 + bonus + excellent benefits
Double day shift (6am–2pm / 2pm–10pm, rotating)

The Company

We are recruiting on behalf of a family-owned, global manufacturing business supplying specialist ingredients to some of the world’s best-known breweries and beverage producers.

The site is semi-automated and highly process-driven, with production underpinned by scientific and food-grade manufacturing standards. The business invests heavily in R&D, has a strong market position with minimal competition, and is currently in a period of sustained growth. Internal promotion and long-term career development are actively encouraged.

The Role

An opportunity has arisen for a Production Shift Manager to lead a rotating double day shift at a modern manufacturing site in Kent.

You will be responsible for a team of approximately 10 production operators, with full ownership of shift performance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. This is a hands-on leadership role within a regulated, high-standards environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead safely: Build and maintain a proactive health & safety culture, challenge unsafe behaviours, conduct audits and ensure incidents are investigated with actions closed

• Develop people: Coach, mentor and train operators to create a skilled, flexible and engaged team

• Manage performance: Own all shift activities including labour planning, production targets, quality checks and documentation

• Maintain hygiene standards: Champion food-grade hygiene and high housekeeping standards

• Drive improvement: Lead daily GEMBA meetings, track KPIs and deliver continuous improvement initiatives

• Take accountability: Lead CAPA investigations, identify root causes and implement long-term corrective actions

About You

Essential:

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment

• Strong people-management and coaching skills

• Good understanding of production processes, quality systems and hygiene standards

• Confident managing performance through KPIs

Desirable:

• Experience in a brewery or other process-driven environment

• Knowledge of FSSC 22000 and/or ISO 9001

• Background in food, drink, chemical or scientific manufacturing

Shift Pattern

• Week 1: 6:00am – 2:00pm

• Week 2: 2:00pm – 10:00pm

• 40 hours per week

Salary & Benefits

• £50,000 – £55,000 (inclusive of shift allowance and loyalty payment, paid 13 times per year)

• Annual bonus linked to business performance

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays

• Pension: Employer contribution of 9% (minimum employee contribution 2%)

• Private medical insurance

• Wellness cash plan (dental, optical and wellbeing benefits)

• Flexible benefits platform with retail, gym and lifestyle discounts

• Clear opportunities for career progression and internal promotion