Job Title: Shift Performance Manager (SPM)
Department: Operations
Reports to: Operations Manager
Direct Reports: Shift Team Leaders and Production Operators (via Team Leaders)
Location: Woolston
Working Pattern: Shift-based (12-hour operational environment)
Role Purpose
The Shift Performance Manager is responsible for the operational performance of the production shift, ensuring that manufacturing activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in line with production plans. The role focuses on driving performance against key operational KPIs including uptime, line speed, scrap rates, quality standards, and on-time delivery.
The Shift Performance Manager provides leadership to Team Leaders and production teams, coordinates labour and operational priorities, facilitates tiered production meetings, and ensures issues affecting performance are identified, escalated, and resolved through structured problem-solving and continuous improvement practices.
Key Responsibilities
1. Production Planning & Performance Management
* Distribute the daily 12-hour production plan and simplified KPIs for each press or production line.
* Monitor production performance indicators including:
* Machine uptime
* Average line speed
* Scrap rates
* Track plan attainment and identify deviations from production schedules.
* Document and report performance restraints such as machine downtime, planning issues, or material shortages.
* Escalate operational issues that affect delivery or efficiency through the tiered meeting structure.
2. Tiered Production Meetings
First Tier Meeting (Daily – Start of Shift)
Chair and facilitate the daily shift meeting involving Shift Manager, Team Leaders and Operators covering:
Safety
* Review accidents, incidents, and near misses.
* Highlight safety concerns and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Quality
* Review quality issues from previous shifts.
* Initiate root cause investigation where required.
Cost / Performance
* Review KPIs from the previous shift.
* Identify constraints affecting productivity and efficiency.
Delivery
* Review production plan attainment.
* Identify and report jobs that are behind schedule.
People
* Review staffing levels, attendance, training requirements and workforce gaps.
Meeting minutes and updates are recorded and circulated following the meeting.
Second Tier Meeting
* Attend and contribute to cross-functional operational meetings.
* Escalate unresolved issues identified during the first-tier meeting.
* Report any deviations from production plans to the planning department.
3. Shop Floor Leadership and Operational Oversight
* Conduct regular Gemba walks across production areas to ensure operational visibility and engagement.
* Monitor machine activity to ensure equipment is running effectively and setups are being executed correctly.
* Identify and act on any non-moving product or operational bottlenecks.
* Ensure finished goods and scrap materials are correctly processed and the shop floor remains organised.
* Maintain compliance with BRC, ISO and other operational standards.
Production cells under responsibility include:
* Cell 1: K1, K2, K3, K4, Vistaflex
* Cell 2: Extrusion 1
* Cell 3: New Print Hall
* Cell 4: Allstein, Novoflex 1, P2, Miraflex
4. Performance Monitoring & Data Management
* Monitor and update production performance within Gemba software systems.
* Produce and distribute simplified performance KPI reports for each shift.
* Monitor print preparation activities and coordinate actions where delays or issues occur.
* Utilise internal systems (e.g., SivaMIS pre-press) to track operational readiness and preparation status.
5. Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving
* Conduct root cause analysis for:
* Production downtime
* Plan deviations
* Operational inefficiencies
* Implement corrective actions and improvement initiatives.
* Document findings and report progress through the tiered meeting structure.
6. People Management & Workforce Coordination
* Coordinate labour allocation with Team Leaders to ensure optimal staffing levels.
* Actively manage attendance and staffing availability.
* Conduct return-to-work interviews with employees returning from absence.
* Address employee relations issues or workplace concerns within the shift team.
* Identify training needs and create development plans to support skill coverage and operational capability.
* Ensure effective shift-to-shift communication and staffing continuity.
7. Shift Handover & Communication
* Prepare structured shift handovers summarising:
* Production KPIs
* Operational issues
* Outstanding actions
* Planning deviations
* Ensure incoming shifts are fully briefed on operational priorities and ongoing issues.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Shift Performance Manager will be accountable for shift performance against key operational metrics, including:
* Machine uptime
* Average line speed
* Scrap rate
* Plan attainment
* Production output
* Health & safety compliance
* Quality standards
* Workforce attendance and utilisation
Key Relationships
Internal
* Production Team Leaders
* Operators
* Planning Department
* Technical / Quality teams
* Maintenance teams
* Senior Operations Management
External
* Equipment suppliers or contractors (as required)
Skills and Competencies
* Strong leadership and team management capability
* Manufacturing operations knowledge (printing, extrusion, slitting or similar processes desirable)
* Data-driven performance management
* Root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
* Ability to lead structured operational meetings
* Strong communication and decision-making skills
* Knowledge of lean manufacturing / continuous improvement principles
* Understanding of BRC, ISO or similar operational compliance standards
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
* Experience supervising or managing teams within a manufacturing environment
* Experience managing shift-based operations
* Demonstrable experience improving operational performance
Desirable
* Experience in flexible packaging or similar manufacturing environment
* Lean / Six Sigma training
* Knowledge of ERP or manufacturing performance systems