The opportunity
You’ll be stepping into a hands-on leadership role within a fast paced department, working closely with an experienced Production Manager who values initiative, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
From the moment your shift begins, you’ll be at the heart of the operation — walking the floor, engaging your team, spotting opportunities, solving problems, and ensuring production runs safely, smoothly, and to the highest possible standards.
This is a role for someone who enjoys being present — not behind a desk, but alongside their team, coaching, developing, and leading from the front.
What your day might look like
No two shifts are the same, but your focus will always come back to a few key things:
- Creating a safe environment where health & safety is genuinely lived, not just followed
- Making sure production starts right — with all quality checks, CCPs, and pre-starts completed
- Keeping a close eye on performance, quality, and output throughout the shift
- Acting as the go-to person for your team when challenges arise — troubleshooting, guiding, and escalating where needed
- Working closely with planning, warehouse, engineering, and technical teams to keep everything aligned
- Driving standards across GMP, hygiene, and food safety
- Supporting audits and ensuring the site is always inspection-ready
- Playing an active role in continuous improvement — because good is never quite good enough
You’ll also take real ownership of people development — supporting training, building capability, and helping your team grow in confidence and skill.
What we’re looking for
This role would suit someone who has already built a solid foundation in manufacturing — ideally within food — and is ready to step into (or continue in) a leadership role where they can make a visible impact.
You’ll likely bring
- Experience in a food or FMCG manufacturing environment
- Confidence leading or supervising teams on shift
- A strong understanding of production processes, quality, and compliance
- Knowledge of machinery, packing lines, or automated systems
- A proactive, hands-on approach to problem solving
But just as important are how you work
- You’re organised, structured, and calm under pressure
- You notice the details others might miss
- You communicate clearly and build strong relationships across teams
- You’re approachable but confident — able to challenge when needed
- You genuinely care about standards, safety, and doing things the right way
Why this role?
Because it’s more than just running a shift.
It’s about being part of a business that invests in its people, values continuous improvement, and gives you the space to develop and progress. It’s about working with a leadership team that listens. And it’s about having the chance to shape a department where your input really matters.
If you’re someone who enjoys being at the centre of a busy manufacturing operation — leading people, improving processes, and making a difference every shift — I’d love to tell you more.
For more information, please contact Shaf Islam on si@zestfoodjobs.co.uk
#J-18808-Ljbffr…