Aliaxis

Manufacturing Shift Manager

UK - Huntingdon Full time

We’re looking for a motivated Shift Manager to join our Manufacturing team in Huntingdon. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a high‑performing production shift, drive operational excellence, and shape the culture and performance of a key area of our site.

As Shift Manager, you’ll take ownership of all Extrusion operations on your shift, ensuring Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Morale remain at the heart of everything we do.

What you’ll be responsible for

Safety & Standards

  • Champion safe working practices and adherence to standard ways of working.

  • Foster a positive safety culture, leading by example and driving improvements across the shift.

Leadership & People Development

  • Lead, coach and develop a team of 13 direct and 2 indirect reports.

  • Build a culture of manufacturing excellence by engaging, supporting and upskilling your team.

  • Conduct performance reviews, manage training, and handle absence (holidays, sickness, RTW interviews).

Performance Delivery

  • Drive operational KPIs through clear prioritisation, decision‑making and structured daily routines.

  • Chair daily Tier 1 meetings, challenge non‑conformance and ensure robust countermeasures are in place.

  • Work collaboratively with other Shift Managers and Functional Leads to exceed site targets.

Communication & Collaboration

  • Deliver daily shift briefs and maintain strong communication through 1:1s, visual management and reporting.

  • Feed key issues and improvement ideas into the daily Manufacturing Performance Review process.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

  • Work with Engineering to address breakdowns and machine issues promptly.

  • Use structured problem‑solving and Lean tools—including 5S—to improve processes, increase output and reduce waste.

  • Encourage a culture where improvement ideas are embraced and acted upon.

Planning & Organisation

  • Ensure staffing and technical capability levels are sufficient to meet production demand.

  • Manage absence effectively and support production trials as required.

  • Maintain accurate records and ensure documentation (RA’s, SSOW’s, SOP’s) is consistently followed.

What you’ll bring

  • Proven experience developing high‑performing teams within a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

  • Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams.

  • Confident communicator across all levels, written and verbal.

  • Experience using Continuous Improvement and Lean tools in a production environment.

  • Skilled in structured problem‑solving and navigating complex issues.

  • A hands‑on leadership style—strategic when needed, but not afraid to get stuck in.

  • Experience conducting performance reviews, coaching teams and managing difficult conversations.

  • Strong IT capability (Excel essential; Power BI desirable).

Salary: £50,8337.37 per annum (inclusive of shift allowance)

Shifts: We operate a Panama style shift pattern which are 12 hours long and inclusive of day and night shifts and weekend working.

Benefits:

Holiday Purchase Scheme

💸 Life Assurance 6x annual salary

🏥 Critical illness cover

📝 Pension contribution up to 10%

🦷 Dental and healthcare cash plan

👶 Enhanced parental leave

👚 Great discounts on local retailers and restaurants

🙌 Fantastic Health & Wellbeing package including an Employee Assistance Programme and access to My Strength

🚲 Cycle to work scheme

😍 Plus many more

Equal Opportunity Employer

Aliaxis is proud to be an equal opportunity employer who welcomes candidates and employees from all backgrounds. We are committed to building and investing in a culture of belonging, where all our employees feel empowered, can be their true selves and are able to bring their best ideas forward and contribute to the company’s “Growth with Purpose” strategy. 

For us, equity and belonging starts at the application step: whether it's offering flexibility in scheduling interviews, or ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment, we strive to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for all applicants. Should you have specific needs, please do not hesitate to let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.