Production Shift Manager

The Compleat Food Group Limited; Crewe; On-site; GBP 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing food business in Crewe seeks an experienced Production Shift Manager for a 6-month FTC. The role includes leading production operations, ensuring high standards of food safety and quality, and developing team members. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills and experience in food manufacturing or FMCG. You will drive efficiency, maintain compliance with standards, and foster a culture of safety while achieving production goals. Competitive salary and benefits including annual leave and well-being support are offered.

Benefits

33 Days annual leave

Employee Volunteering Days

Well-being support groups

Training opportunities

Charity initiatives

24/7 access to Grocery Aid

Gym discounts

Financial well-being tools

Holiday discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading teams in food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong understanding of food production processes.
• Ability to analyze and communicate operational KPIs.
• Solid knowledge of Health & Safety legislation.
• Confident leadership style to motivate teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production operation ensuring delivery against production plans.
• Coach and develop teams for high performance.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate operational data and performance metrics.
• Champion a strong safety culture and adherence to procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Operational understanding of food production

Team development

Health & Safety compliance

Analytical skills

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Tools

ERP systems (TROPOS or similar)

Job description

We’re now looking for an experienced Production Shift Manager to play a pivotal leadership role at our Chilled Food Manufacturing site in Crewe. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing food business where your impact is visible, your voice is heard, and your leadership genuinely matters.

Job Title: Production Shift Manager 6 months FTC

Location: Weston Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6XQ
Salary: £43,276 per annum
Hours of work: Monday – Friday 14:00 – 22:00

Reporting to Site Operations Manager

About Us:

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to createFood to Feel Good – great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.

We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, includingWall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, andHarvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.

Withover 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.

The Role

As Production Shift Manager, you’ll have full responsibility for leading the production operation on your shift. You’ll ensure we deliver against our production plans while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, health & safety, and customer service.

You’ll lead from the front—coaching, developing, and inspiring your teams while creating a safe, inclusive, and high-performing environment where continuous improvement is part of everyday thinking.

Deliver the shift production plan safely, on time, and to the highest quality standards.

Ensure all operational data, KPIs, and performance metrics are accurately recorded and communicated.

Drive efficiency, cost control, waste reduction, and right-first-time quality.

Leading and Developing People

Lead, coach, and support chargehands, line leaders, and factory operatives.

Ensure the right people with the right skills are in place across all production lines.

Communicate clearly and consistently through shift handovers, huddles, toolbox talks, and 1-to-1s.

Recruit, develop, and retain talent—using structured processes and fair decision-making.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

Take full ownership of food safety and quality standards within your department.

Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, allergen controls, SOPs, and customer specifications.

Maintain an “audit-ready, every day” mindset.

Health, Safety & Environment

Champion a strong safety culture where everyone goes home safe.

Ensure risk assessments, safe systems of work, and training are robust, understood, and followed.

Maintain excellent housekeeping and equipment standards.

Act as a role model for continuous improvement on your shift.

Use KPIs such as OEE, labour efficiency, and waste data to identify opportunities.

Ensure improvement plans are created, owned, and delivered.

What We’re Looking For:

Proven experience leading teams in a complex food manufacturing or FMCG environment.

Strong operational understanding of food production processes (baking knowledge desirable).

Experience using ERP or warehouse management systems (TROPOS or similar).

Ability to analyse and communicate operational KPIs and performance data.

Solid knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and risk assessment processes.

Confident, engaging leadership style with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.

Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office.

Why Join The Compleat Food Group?

• 33 Days annual leave
• 2 EmployeeVolunteering Days per year
• Employee well-being and community support groups
• Informal and Formal training opportunities with personalised online LMS platform
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)
• Physical Wellbeing Benefits – Free on demand exercise hub and various gym discounts.
• Free Financial wellbeing – mortgage calculators, budget tools, financial aid tools
• Holiday Discounts via Online Retail Discount

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace.

We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.

Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.

Recruitment Agencies:

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.