Location: Johnstones Food Service
Shift: Rotating pattern – Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat / Sun, Wed, Thu (06:30am – 6:30pm)
Salary: Competitive
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.
What you’ll actually do
In this role, you will lead from the front, taking full responsibility for the performance of your shift and ensuring that manufacturing operations run efficiently, safely, and in line with business targets. You will drive performance through structured ways of working, implementing and sustaining the group’s standard MARA meeting framework, including shift handovers, leader routines, and tiered accountability meetings. You will take ownership of key cost levers such as labour and material variance, using data and performance systems to identify opportunities and deliver measurable improvements. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, you will lead root cause problem solving (RCPS) activities, applying structured methodologies such as A3 to resolve issues and improve performance beyond standard cost models. You will ensure consistent output across multiple production lines, proactively manage any issues that may impact efficiency or delivery, and work closely with Engineering to improve asset reliability and support preventative maintenance. You will also champion performance systems and tools, lead on yield improvement, energy awareness initiatives, and value engineering activities. In addition, you will be accountable for quality and compliance on shift, support product trials, launches, and process changes, and lead, coach, and motivate your team.
Candidate Profile
* We’re looking for a motivated, resilient leader who:
* Champions teamwork, ownership, honesty, communication, and respect.
* Is passionate about leading people and driving performance through engagement and accountability.
* Thrives in a fast-paced, challenging environment and embraces change with a positive mindset.
* Has strong analytical skills and uses data to drive decision-making and improvements.
* Is confident influencing at all levels and building strong cross-functional relationships.
* Is organised, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement and personal development.
Essential
* 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.
Desirable
* 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.
What’s in it for you
* Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
* Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees
* Death in Service Benefit
* Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families)
* Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
* Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependent)
* Employee Recognition Awards.
* Extensive Learning & Development opportunities (including opportunities for sponsored professional memberships and our own in‑house development course).
* An opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation. Head over to our LinkedIn page to find out more!
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