Shift Manager Post Chill

Avara Foods Ltd; Hereford; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food business in Hereford is seeking an experienced Shift Manager to lead production operations. You will oversee a team, ensure manufacturing targets are met, and drive compliance with safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in FMCG or manufacturing and proven leadership skills. Benefits include a competitive salary and comprehensive training for career progression.

Benefits

£48,000–£52,000 per annum

£2,500 shift allowance

31 days holiday allowance

Secure contract with career progression

5% pension contribution

Subsidised hot-food canteen

Staff shop

Cycle to Work scheme

Salaried Advance Finance

Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a management or supervisory role within FMCG or manufacturing.
• Experience leading large teams effectively.
• Solid understanding of safety standards and quality systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage production teams to meet targets.
• Oversee shift operations including resource planning.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor performance and resolve operational issues.
• Implement Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Production processes

Decision making

Job description

About the Role:

We are recruiting for a Shift Manager to join our team in Hereford at Grandstand Road. The purpose of the role is to lead and manage all production operations during your assigned shift, ensuring manufacturing targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You will drive performance across people, process, safety, and compliance—optimising productivity, reducing waste, and maintaining strong GMP standards within a fast‑paced FMCG environment.

Working Hours

07:30 – 16:30, Monday to Friday / 16:30 – 01:30, Sunday to Thursday. Flexibility may be required.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, motivating, and developing production teams to meet output and performance targets.
• Managing end‑to‑end shift operations, including handovers, resource planning, and workflow prioritisation.
• Ensuring production schedules are met in line with demand, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Monitoring line performance, resolving operational issues, and addressing bottlenecks promptly.
• Coordinating with maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to minimise downtime and maintain efficient operations.
• Ensuring full compliance with GMP, HACCP, and regulatory requirements.
• Upholding a strong safety culture and ensuring adherence to all HSE policies and procedures.
• Conducting risk assessments, implementing corrective actions, and leading incident investigations.
• Completing and verifying shift documentation and production records accurately.
• Identifying opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and waste reduction.
• Leading and supporting Lean, Kaizen, and continuous‑improvement initiatives across the shift.
• Providing strong leadership presence on the factory floor to ensure safe, high‑quality, and efficient output.

What we are looking for

Essential

• Proven experience in a shift management or senior supervisory role within FMCG or manufacturing.
• Strong leadership and people‑management capability, with experience leading large teams.
• Solid understanding of production processes, quality systems, and safety standards.
• Ability to work under pressure, make sound decisions, and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous‑improvement methodologies.

What’s in it for you?

We offer comprehensive training and ongoing development to support your long‑term career with us. Benefits include:

• £48,000–£52,000 per annum
• £2,500 shift allowance per annum
• 31 days holiday allowance
• Secure contract with excellent career progression opportunities
• 5% pension contribution
• Subsidised hot‑food canteen
• Staff shop
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Salaried Advance Finance
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Who are we?

At Avara Foods, we’re one of the UK’s largest food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to major supermarkets and well‑known restaurant brands. We manage our entire supply chain—from farms to factory to customer—across major processing sites in England and Wales and an agricultural network of over 350 farms.

What happens next?

After applying, a Resourcing Officer from our Hereford site will contact you to discuss your application and CV. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the role.

If you’re ready to work in a dynamic environment alongside talented people who take pride in delivering results, apply today!

Please note: Due to bird welfare requirements, applicants must not keep avian pets or poultry.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.