Overview
Shift Manager – Windrush Park Road, Windrush Park Ind. Est. Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 7EX
Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!
Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.
About Us
We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.
The Role
The Shift Manager is responsible for leading, supporting, and developing the shift team to deliver safe, efficient, and effective operations. The role is as much about people as it is about process — creating an engaged, motivated, and high-performing team that feels supported and valued.
As a leader, the Shift Manager sets the tone for the shift, driving a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. They take ownership of people development, team performance, production flow, and resource management, ensuring both individuals and the wider team have the tools and guidance to succeed. This role is working a three shift rotation of earlies, lates and nights.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Promote and embed a strong safety culture by coaching, developing, and holding the team accountable for high safety standards.
- Lead, motivate, and engage the shift team to drive performance, consistency, and continuous improvement.
- Manage people resources effectively, including recruitment, onboarding, appraisals, performance management, training, and employee relations.
- Cover team members’ breaks as required to maintain smooth operation of the shift.
- Take day-to-day responsibility for managing plant flow, forward planning, and removing bottlenecks (people, machines, or processes) to maximise throughput.
- Monitor and deliver against shift KPIs (e.g., safety, quality, output, waste, efficiency).
- Ensure operational standards are maintained and compliance is achieved at all times.
- Monitor individual and team performance, taking corrective and preventative actions and embedding solutions into daily routines.
- Drive continuous improvement in shift performance in line with World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve asset performance, efficiency, and reliability.
- Work with Shift Supervisors, Despatch Team Leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication across the shift, including updates on performance, policies, and process changes.
- Partner with the Engineering team to prioritise and complete maintenance work, including proactive servicing when equipment is not in use.
- Collaborate with Safety and Quality teams to ensure standards, audits, and procedures are fully implemented and embedded.
- Your job title does not limit your duties and the Company may require you from time to time to undertake any other duties within your capability.
What you’ll bring
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Proven experience managing teams in manufacturing, production, or operations.
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Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop people.
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Knowledge of health & safety and quality standards.
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Confidence in planning, problem-solving, and making sound decisions.
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Excellent communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
What’s great to have
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Experience with Lean, Continuous Improvement, or World Class Manufacturing.
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Background in FMCG, food, or other regulated environments.
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NEBOSH/IOSH, ILM/CMI, or Lean Six Sigma training/qualifications.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
- Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
- Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.
We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.
