Jobs, fresher vacancy - Production Shift Manager • Kent

Company: Pioneer Selection Ltd

Kent

Production Shift Manager Paddock Wood, Kent £50,000 – £55,000 + bonus + excellent benefits Double day shift (6am–2pm / 2pm–10pm, rotating)The Company We are recruiting on behalf of a family-owned, global manufacturing business supplying specialist ingredients to some of the world’s best-known breweries and beverage producers.The site is semi-automated and highly process-driven, with production underpinned by scientific and food-grade manufacturing standards. The business invests heavily in R&D, has a strong market position with minimal competition, and is currently in a period of sustained growth. Internal promotion and long-term career development are actively encouraged.The Role An opportunity has arisen for a Production Shift Manager to lead a rotating double day shift at a modern manufacturing site in Kent.You will be responsible for a team of approximately 10 production operators, with full ownership of shift performance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. This is a hands-on leadership role within a regulated, high-standards environment.Key Responsibilities Lead safely: Build and maintain a proactive health & safety culture, challenge unsafe behaviours, conduct audits and ensure incidents are investigated with actions closed Develop people: Coach, mentor and train operators to create a skilled, flexible and engaged team Manage performance: Own all shift activities including labour planning, production targets, quality checks and documentation Maintain hygiene standards: Champion food-grade hygiene and high housekeeping standards Drive improvement: Lead daily GEMBA meetings, track KPIs and deliver continuous improvement initiatives Take accountability: Lead CAPA investigations, identify root causes and implement long-term corrective actions About You Essential: Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment Strong people-management and coaching skills Good understanding of production processes, quality systems and hygiene standards Confident managing performance through KPIs Desirable: Experience in a brewery or other process-driven environment Knowledge of FSSC 22000 and/or ISO 9001 Background in food, drink, chemical or scientific manufacturing Shift Pattern Week 1: 6:00am – 2:00pm Week 2: 2:00pm – 10:00pm 40 hours per week Salary & Benefits £50,000 – £55,000 (inclusive of shift allowance and loyalty payment, paid 13 times per year) Annual bonus linked to business performance 25 days holiday + bank holidays Pension: Employer contribution of 9% (minimum employee contribution 2%) Private medical insurance Wellness cash plan (dental, optical and wellbeing benefits) Flexible benefits platform with retail, gym and lifestyle discounts Clear opportunities for career progression and internal promotion