Our client is seeking an experienced Shift Manager to join their manufacturing team in Malta.

Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing production, maintenance, and process activities during your assigned shift while coordinating with key stakeholders to ensure manufacturing objectives are achieved efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.

Working on a three-shift rotation, you will lead a team of operational and technical staff, ensuring production targets are met, continuous improvement initiatives are driven, and high standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence are maintained. This role requires a strong understanding of the technical, operational, and people management aspects of a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing activities during your shift in line with the production plan and our client's operational objectives.
• Take ownership of daily production targets, ensuring resources, manpower, and equipment are utilised effectively.
• Manage and support production and technical teams to successfully deliver the production schedule.
• Actively participate in problem-solving activities and implement effective corrective actions.
• Collect and analyse operational data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in safety, quality, efficiency, waste reduction, flexibility, and productivity.
• Prepare, review, and communicate production and performance reports.

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all operations comply with Health & Safety regulations, Quality Management Systems, HACCP protocols, and food safety requirements.
• Promote and maintain high standards of housekeeping, GMP, and 5S practices throughout the shift.
• Oversee pre-production start-up activities and ensure all procedures are followed while addressing any deviations.
• Work closely with the Quality Control team to ensure production meets specifications and quality standards.
• Monitor in-process controls (IPC), investigate deviations through root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct regular Gemba walks to promote workplace organisation, cleanliness, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & People Management

• Provide strong leadership to achieve manufacturing targets while maintaining a zero-defect mindset.
• Identify performance gaps and implement improvement plans where required.
• Mentor, coach, and develop production and technical employees.
• Clearly communicate priorities, targets, and improvement opportunities across the shift.
• Monitor individual and team performance against established KPIs.
• Motivate and empower team members to take ownership, demonstrate initiative, and contribute ideas.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, performance reviews, disciplinary processes, and employee development.
• Ensure effective communication and handover between shifts.
• Encourage the sharing of best practices and continuous learning across teams.
• Lead by example by demonstrating our client's values and fostering a positive working environment.
• Manage conflict constructively and encourage open communication and feedback.

About You

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (MQF Level 6) with a minimum of 5 years' experience in manufacturing operations and people management,

OR

• Advanced Technical Diploma or equivalent (MQF Level 5) with a minimum of 9 years' experience in manufacturing operations and people management.

Experience

• Proven front-line leadership experience within a GMP manufacturing environment, ideally in the food, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing sectors.
• Willingness to work on a three-shift rotation.

Technical Skills

• Strong engineering or technical background.
• Good understanding of business and manufacturing management principles.
• Experience working with industry-standard manufacturing equipment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, GMP, 5S, ISO standards, HACCP, Safe Food Handling, IPC, and TPM principles.
• Experience developing action plans focused on efficiency, productivity, quality, cost reduction, and people development.
• Health & Safety awareness, including first aid, manual handling, and basic fire safety.

Leadership Skills

• Strong people management and situational leadership skills.
• Experience managing multicultural teams.
• Excellent emotional intelligence and conflict resolution abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Coaching and team development experience.
• Ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Competencies

• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Results Driven
• Quality Focus
• Compliance & Rule Orientation
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Influencing & Conflict Management
• Excellent Verbal & Written Communication
• People Development
• Performance Monitoring & Measurement