Senior Production / Shift Manager - A Shift

Job Advertisement: Senior Production / Shift Manager - A Shift

• Position: Senior Production / Shift Manager (A Shift)

• Location: Branston, Lincoln

• Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

• Job Reference Number: 325232

• Salary: Up to £55,973 per annum

• Shift Pattern: A Shift (06:30 to 19:00)

  • Week 1: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

  • Week 2: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday

• Closing Date: 31st October 2026

About the Role

Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Production / Shift Manager on behalf of our client, Branston, to drive operational excellence across their production facilities.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role tailored for candidates who have successfully managed large teams in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and thrive in KPI-driven settings. You will take full ownership of shift performance, cost efficiency, quality standards, and team development while championing a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence. If you are passionate about data-driven decision-making, cost analysis, and delivering measurable results, this is your opportunity to make a massive impact.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Analyse production data and short-interval controls to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, optimise costs, and enhance overall quality.

• Collaborate closely with Engineering and Technical teams to improve machine reliability and performance.

• Drive reductions in downtime by analysing start times, breaks, and operational delays.

• Identify opportunities to minimise packaging waste and maximise crop utilisation.

Reporting & Compliance

• Deliver detailed performance reports covering core KPIs, including giveaway, waste, downtime, and labour efficiency.

• Support investigations relating to Health & Safety, GMP, SOP compliance, and non-conformances.

• Ensure accurate documentation and seamless alignment across Section Managers and shift teams.

Labour Management & Planning

• Forecast labour requirements accurately based on production plans and operational demands.

• Monitor labour KPIs, validate agency usage, and oversee daily labour tracking.

• Investigate discrepancies and ensure optimal workforce deployment across the shift.

• Provide leadership cover for Section Managers when required.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop large production teams to achieve company objectives.

• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and structured development planning.

• Oversee the onboarding and training of new starters to guarantee strong performance from day one.

• Build robust succession plans and mentor future leaders within the operation.

Shift Accountability & Culture

• Take full accountability for overall shift performance across productivity, safety, and quality metrics.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, engagement, and strict accountability.

• Lead by example, actively promoting company values in all interactions.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven track record of senior production management experience within the food manufacturing industry.

• Demonstrated history of successfully managing large teams in a fast-paced, KPI-driven environment.

• Advanced analytical and data interpretation skills, with a portfolio of driving improvements through insight.

• Practical experience in cost analysis and applying continuous improvement methodologies.

• High proficiency in digital systems, including Excel and internal reporting tools.

• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders effectively.

• Uncompromising commitment to Health & Safety, GMP, and strict quality standards.

Why Join?

• Senior Leadership: Opportunity to lead at a strategic, senior level within a high-performing food manufacturing environment.

• Real Influence: A high-impact role with direct ownership over performance, cost control, and continuous improvement strategy.

• Culture: Work within a forward-thinking business that values innovation, people development, and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Up to £55,973 per annum

• Financial Incentives: Company bonus scheme (up to 7.5%) and enhanced pension contributions

• Health & Protection: Private Health Insurance, Life Assurance, critical illness cover, flu vaccines, and health & wellbeing initiatives

• Perks & Extras: Onsite parking, electric salary sacrifice car scheme, a refer-a-friend scheme, and free fruit & potatoes!