Manufacturing Shift Lead

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Operations team in the role of Manufacturing Shift Lead at our Johnstones Food Service site as part of Finsbury Food Group. Johnstones Food Service is a well-established and respected name within the food manufacturing sector, known for delivering high-quality products to customers across the UK. Our site offers a welcoming and friendly environment, supported by strong team morale and an experienced workforce committed to delivering consistent standards and performance. This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading bakery and food manufacturing businesses, offering excellent opportunities for growth and development. At Finsbury Food Group, we are passionate about investing in our people and creating an environment where talent can thrive.

Responsibilities

Lead shift performance across the manufacturing operation, driving performance across cost, efficiency, quality, and people; Drive performance through structured ways of working, implementing the MARA meeting framework including shift handovers, leader routines, and tiered accountability meetings; Own key cost levers such as labour and material variance, using data to identify and deliver improvements; Lead root cause problem solving (RCPS) activities using structured methodologies such as A3; Ensure consistent output across multiple production lines and proactively manage issues affecting efficiency or delivery; Work with Engineering to improve asset reliability, address breakdowns, and support preventative maintenance; Champion performance systems and tools, acting as subject matter expert on ERP systems, performance dashboards, and CI tracking tools; Lead yield improvement, energy awareness initiatives, and value engineering activities; Ensure quality and compliance on shift including testing, sampling, calibration, and product evaluations; Support product trials, launches, and process changes; Lead, coach, and motivate the team to create a high-performing, engaged culture; Maintain compliance with BRC, GMP, allergen controls, hygiene, food safety, and customer codes of practice; Deputise for the Site Manufacturing Lead when required

Requirements

Proven leadership experience within a fast-paced FMCG or manufacturing environment; Strong track record of delivering KPIs (labour/material variance, OEE, yield) and driving continuous improvement; IOSH Managing Safely and Level 3 Food Hygiene qualified; Experience using ERP systems and performance management tools; Strong problem-solving capability (e.g. root cause analysis, A3); Solid understanding of BRC, GMP, allergen controls, and food safety standards; Ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams

Nice to have

Food manufacturing experience; Internal auditing experience and knowledge of customer codes of practice; Food & Drink Operations Level 3 (or working towards); Project management experience, including trials and product launches; Green Belt (or equivalent) in Continuous Improvement

Benefits

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave; Enhanced Pension Scheme; Death in Service Benefit; Free Employee Assistance Programme; Retail discounts via Benefits Hub; Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral); Employee Recognition Awards; Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including sponsored professional memberships and in-house development course); Opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation