Shift Manager

Airport Placements; Folkestone; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Shift Manager in Folkestone, UK, to oversee production processes in an FMCG environment. The candidate will manage a team, drive performance improvements using Lean methodologies, and ensure safety and quality standards are maintained. This full-time position includes a competitive salary and benefits, along with opportunities for professional development through training and transformation initiatives.

Benefits

Competitive salary

6% performance-related bonus

9% matched pension plan

4x life assurance

Health cash back plan

23 days annual leave plus additional options

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in shift management within an FMCG environment.
• Experience with Lean methodologies and Six Sigma.
• Familiarity with GMP standards and safety audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop your shift team.
• Ensure production schedule is met safely and on time.
• Champion Lean initiatives to improve performance.
• Manage production processes using digital tools.
• Responsible for staff management during shifts.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Strong problem-solving skills

Digitally savvy

Well-organised

Collaborative

Quality and safety-focused

Education

Proven experience managing shift operations in an FMCG environment

Demonstrable Lean manufacturing experience

Experience using digital platforms for process and performance management

Job description

Shift Manager - Production
Folkestone | Permanent | Salary: DOE

Are you an experienced FMCG Shift Manager who loves driving performance, coaching teams and leading continuous improvement? This is a great opportunity to take ownership of a full production shift and play a key role in moving our site forward.

About the role

As Shift Manager, you will ensure the production schedule is achieved safely, on time, in full, at cost and to the right quality first time. Using Lean methodologies and the latest digital tools, you’ll continually improve efficiency, reduce costs and up‑skill your team.

You will work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Processing and other departments, and take responsibility for all on‑site employees during your shift,

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop your team, driving engagement and a positive culture.
• Ensure products meet specification "right first time" and maintain GMP standards.
• Champion Lean initiatives (5S, OEE, Visual Factory, recycling, energy saving) to improve performance.
• Hold daily meetings with line leaders to review targets, outputs and resolve issues.
• Support quality and safety audits and ensure timely completion of corrective actions.
• Manage and improve production processes using digital tools, including the POKA platform; work towards paperless processes.
• Ensure accurate completion of production paperwork, SOP compliance and performance recording on all major lines.
• Manage overtime, working patterns and holiday cover within budget and Working Time Directive guidelines.
• Work with HR on recruitment, training, performance and the effective use of temporary staff.
• Deputise for the Site Operations Manager when required.

Skills & attributes

• Excellent verbal and written communication; confident leading meetings and cascading information.
• Well‑organised, able to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate documentation.

Digitally savvy and comfortable adopting new platforms and tools.

Strong problem‑solving skills with a critical and strategic mindset.

Collaborative, able to build strong relationships across departments.

Quality‑ and safety‑focused with a positive, resilient attitude and the ability to keep team morale high.

Education & experience

• Proven experience managing shift operations in an FMCG environment.
• Demonstrable Lean manufacturing experience; Six Sigma desirable.
• Track record in supervising/managing teams, including training, development and performance management.
• Familiarity with GMP and experience supporting quality and safety audits.
• Experience using digital platforms for process and performance management.

Working pattern & hours

• 40 hours per week (average).
• Shift pattern: 4‑on / 4‑off, 12‑hour shifts rotating days and nights (shifts cover both 06:00-18:00 and 18:00-06:00).
• Role involves out‑of‑hours responsibility for on‑shift staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 6% all‑employee company performance‑related discretionary bonus scheme.
• 9% company matched pension plan.
• 4x life assurance scheme.
• Health cash back plan.
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• 23 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays (option to buy/sell up to 3 additional days).
• Ongoing training and professional development; opportunities to lead Lean and digital transformation.

Health & Safety

• Champion safety as a top priority and ensure all company H&S instructions are followed.
• Promptly report any accidents or near misses to the Health & Safety Manager.

To apply

If you feel that you have the right skills and experience we would love to hear from you, apply now!