Manufacturing Shift Lead

Finsbury Food; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company is seeking a Manufacturing Shift Lead for its Pontypool site in the United Kingdom. The role involves managing shift operations, ensuring production meets quality and safety standards, and leading a motivated team. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, the company offers enhanced maternity and paternity leave, a pension scheme, and various employee development opportunities.

Benefits

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Free Employee Assistance Programme

Retail discounts

Employee Recognition Awards

Learning & Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing, ideally in food or FMCG.
• Proven track record of leading multi-skilled teams in high-pressure environments.
• Skilled in Lean and continuous improvement tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily shift operations to meet production targets.
• Manage staffing, labor deployment, and resources.
• Conduct coaching and performance reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous improvement

Team coaching

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical skills

IT systems proficiency

Education

Grade C or above in English & Maths GCSE level or equivalent

IOSH Managing Safely certification (or willingness to obtain)

Level 3 Food Safety certification (or willingness to obtain)

Tools

MS Office

ERP platforms

Job description

About the Role

We have a new opportunity for a Manufacturing Shift Lead (MSL) within our Manufacturing team in our Pontypool site as part of the Finsbury Food Group.

As a Manufacturing Shift Lead, you will manage and develop your shift to deliver top performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. You will ensure smooth operations, build team capability, and implement best practices that drive continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence. You will also help create a high-performing, engaged team culture that exceeds production, quality, and safety standards.

About the Site

Ultrapharm is a dedicated Gluten Free Bakery specialising in only Gluten Free Product since 1993. The Company’s unique approach to craft and baking creates premium gluten – free products with the flavour and taste of traditional bread. If you have special dietary need or nutritional preferences, then our Pontypool bakery has you covered. Our Products range from artisanal bread to our award winning Hot cross buns and Mince pies for Major Retailers such as M&S and Waitrose.

Part of the Role

We are committed to investing in our leaders. As part of this role, you will undertake a professionally recognised leadership development programme, fully funded by the Welsh Government. This programme will support you in developing advanced leadership skills, broadening your impact, and strengthening your career pathway within the organisation.

To be successful, you will be…

• Inspire and lead a motivated, high-performing team.
• Deliver production targets while maintaining safety, quality, and compliance standards.
• Coach and develop your team to meet both personal and shift KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise performance.
• Handle operational challenges calmly and effectively.

This is what you'll actually do:

• Lead daily shift operations, ensuring production meets plans and standards.
• Manage staffing, labour deployment, and resources efficiently.
• Conduct coaching, PDRs, and performance reviews to develop team skills.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, and Quality standards, including BRC and GMP.
• Support and lead continuous improvement projects to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Act as deputy for the Site Manufacturing Lead when required.

Ideally, this is you:

• Experienced in manufacturing, ideally in food or FMCG, with at least 5 years’ experience.
• Proven track record of leading multi-skilled teams in high-pressure environments.
• Skilled in Lean, continuous improvement tools, and problem-solving techniques.
• Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Numerate, analytical, and confident with IT systems including MS Office and ERP platforms.
• Qualified or willing to obtain IOSH Managing Safely and Level 3 Food Safety.
• Resilient, forward-thinking, and committed to delivering high-quality results.
• Grade C or above in English & Maths GCSE level or equivalent.

What’s in it for you?

• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
• Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families)
• Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
• Employee Recognition Awards· Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in-house development course!)
• An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation. Head over to our LinkedIn page to find out more!