Operations Shift Manager

Job Description:

Location: Leeds, United Kingdom

Work regime: Full-time, shift-based position (days, nights, weekends on a rotating 24/5 shift pattern).

We are seeking a results-driven Operational Shift Manager to lead production activities within our Birstall Factory. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a hands‑on approach to operations, and proven experience implementing and sustaining TPM methodologies. This role is central to ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality production.

What are we looking for?

• Lead, coach, and support production teams to meet daily, weekly, and monthly output targets.
• Oversee all manufacturing activities during the shift, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Monitor production KPIs (performance, waste, downtime, throughput) and take corrective actions where needed.
• Coordinate with maintenance, quality, and planning teams.

• Drive TPM initiatives across the shift, including Autonomous Maintenance, operational meeting structures and focused improvement.
• Facilitate root‑cause analysis.
• Engage operators in daily TPM tasks, including equipment care, basic maintenance, and visual management.

• Direct Line Manager for 20+ associates.
• Responsible for labour planning.
• Conduct performance discussions, coaching, and training to build operator capability.
• Promote a positive, safety‑focused, and inclusive team environment.

• Enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and all food safety standards specific to pet food manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations; address near misses, unsafe behaviours, and hazards immediately.
• Investigate deviations and non‑conformances, implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Complete daily shift reports, including performance metrics, downtime logs, and operational issues.
• Maintain accurate records of TPM tasks, maintenance activities, and quality checks.
• Communicate shift handover information clearly and effectively.

• Proven line management experience in manufacturing/operations; food or pet food industry preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) implementation.
• Strong leadership and team‑management skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot operational problems and drive continuous improvement.
• Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and other food safety standards.

Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site:

Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here
.