McCain Foods
Manufacturing (Shift) Operations Manager
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Manufacturing (Shift) Operations Manager
Manufacturing (Shift) Operations Manager
Position Type
Regular - Full-Time
Requisition ID
43287
About McCain
At McCain, we’re feeding the world—from French fries to Smiles, we contribute to the important role food plays in people’s lives. Our core values—Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality—drive every aspect of our work. As a privately owned family company with 60+ years of experience, a presence in 160+ countries, and a global team of 22,000+ people, we believe in sustainable growth and positive change.
Join us and MAKE IT at McCain!
About The Role
This is not your average Shift Manager role. Based in Wombourne, the Shift Manager is at the heart of site performance—leading people, driving operational excellence, and owning outcomes across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Environment, and People (SQDC).
You’ll act as a bridge between a Traditional Shift Manager and a Production Manager, managing a team of up to 25 people (including 3 Team Leaders and a mix of permanent and agency operators). You’ll be the most senior leader on-site out of hours, accountable for decision-making, problem-solving, and driving performance.
Key priorities include:
- Developing your team—upskilling Team Leaders so they can step into leadership roles.
- Building a pipeline of capable operators.
- Leading a career path towards Senior Production Manager or Plant Manager.
This role is for ambitious, technically curious, and autonomous leaders who thrive with real responsibility.
What You'll Do
-
Lead Daily Operations:
- Chair the Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meeting, presenting the previous 24-hour shift and the operational plan for the next 24 hours.
- Flag material or operational considerations to the wider site team.
-
Own Team Performance:
- Ensure Team Leaders and operators work to standard work methods.
- Make decisions and solve problems—do not wait for guidance.
- Take full accountability for performance.
-
Develop Your People:
- Create genuine development opportunities for Team Leaders and operators.
- Ensure capable successors are ready for future leadership roles.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
-
Drive SQDC Performance:
- Accountable for Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Environment, and People (SQDC) metrics—not just production output.
-
Collaborate Across the Site:
- Work closely with Engineering, Food Safety, Quality, Technical, and other functions.
- Be a key driver of overall site performance.
-
Champion Continuous Improvement:
- Use lean manufacturing tools to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and embed a culture of improvement.
-
Uphold Safety and Compliance:
- Maintain the highest standards of Health & Food Safety.
- Ensure competence and compliance at all times.
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements
- Proven people leadership experience, ideally managing larger, multi-layered teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
- A track record of making independent decisions and driving results without constant supervision.
- Technical understanding of manufacturing, preferably within food or FMCG, with an engineering background or interest welcomed.
- Resilience, energy, and adaptability to thrive across rotating shift patterns (days, nights, weekends).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills—essential for presenting, influencing, and collaborating every day.
- Career ambition—this role is for those looking to grow into leadership positions.
Desirable (Nice-to-Have)
- Knowledge of Health & Safety requirements in a manufacturing setting.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Managing Daily Improvement (MDI).
- Proficiency in MS Office and SAP Manufacturing.
- Advanced Food Hygiene or HACCP certification.
The Wombourne Site
You’ll be based at the McCain Wombourne plant in Staffordshire, home to a close-knit, high-engagement team of ~140 colleagues, with 102 production staff driving the operation.
What We Make There
- Potato Smiles, hash browns, rösti, potato pops, air fry hash brown bites, and pre-baked Jacket Spuds.
- Up to 100 tonnes of Potato Specialty and 38 tonnes of Bakes products produced daily across two shift lines.
Company Culture
- Strong team spirit, high engagement, and a commitment to doing the right thing.
- A genuinely great place to work, where people are proud of what they produce.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Shift Pattern
- 2 days on, 1 day off, 2 nights, 3 days off
- Operating hours: 6am–6pm (days) / 6pm–6am (nights)
The Package
Benefits
- Competitive salary with opportunities for growth.
- Private healthcare (single).
- Excellent pension scheme—McCain contributes double your investment (up to 12% of salary).
- 25 days’ paid annual leave (increasing with service). Option to buy/sell up to 5 days annual leave.
- Life insurance for peace of mind.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay—because the moments beyond work matter.
- Medicash health cash plan—reimburse daily healthcare costs, with access to a virtual GP and wellbeing support.
- TELUS Health employee and family assistance programme—24/7 confidential counselling, legal/financial guidance, and discounts.
- Salay sacrifice cycle-to-work scheme—considers wherever possible.
- ‘Chips In’ Volunteering Day—a paid day to support community projects.
- Global career opportunities—support for professional growth, including international roles.
Our Commitment to You
Leadership Principles
At McCain, we value customer focus, innovation, empowerment, and ownership.
The McCain Experience
We’re McCain—collective strength through authenticity and trust. Here, you’ll grow, learn, and thrive.
Flexibility & Inclusivity
- Most office roles offer a hybrid model (2 days remote).
- McCain is an accessible employer; relevant accommodations during the hiring process are provided if needed.
Equality & Diversity
McCain is an equal opportunity employer. We value inclusion, creativity, and resilience—ensuring our business thrives through diverse talent.
Privacy
By applying, you agree to our Global Privacy Policy. AI may be used in the hiring process, but all final decisions are human-made.
**For further information, click here to learn more about McCain and career opportunities. Job Family: Manufacturing; Engineering & Technical Location: GB - United Kingdom : England : Wombourne Company: McCain Foods (G.B.) Ltd.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills