Production Shift Manager

We have a rare opportunity for an experienced Production Shift Manager to lead underground mining operations at a major UK facility, driving safety, performance, and compliance.

Production Shift Manager Winsford, CW7 2PE

• Circa £60,000 per annum
• Full Time, permanent
• Rotating shifts (Days, Afternoons, Nights)
• Immediate start available

Please Note: Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK

Our client is a leading provider of essential minerals. Their Winsford Salt Mine is the UK's largest rock salt mine and home to both salt production and secure underground storage operations. With sites across the U.S., Canada, and the UK, they have a proud history dating back to 1844 and a reputation for safety, reliability, and innovation. They operate as an accredited Mindful Employer and recognised as a Great Place to Work (2023).

They are seeking an experienced Production Shift Manager to lead underground mining operations within their Winsford Salt Mine. Working with continuous miners, loaders, and conveyor-based haulage systems, you will be responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and consistent production across your shift.

This role carries statutory responsibility under the Mines Regulations 2014, ensuring the control, supervision, and safety of personnel working underground. Your leadership will be central to ensuring that production targets, safety performance, and operational standards are met every day.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the appointed supervisor for underground operations in accordance with the Mines Regulations 2014.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, with strong emphasis on ground control, ventilation, equipment isolation, and hazard identification.
• Lead dynamic risk assessments, emergency readiness, and safe operating procedures for continuous mining equipment.
• Maintain the highest standards of compliance with company procedures, regulatory requirements, and site rules.
• Manage production crews to deliver daily and weekly tonnage and quality targets.
• Oversee the operation of continuous miners, loaders, conveyors, and ancillary underground equipment.
• Monitor and control the mining to minimise delays, maximise equipment availability, and optimise operational efficiency.
• Maintain effective shift handover reporting and communication with the oncoming shift, engineering teams, and management.
• Lead, motivate, and develop your team to ensure high performance, competence, and safe working behaviours.
• Conduct coaching, feedback, and performance management for underground operators and support staff.
• Ensure personnel are competent, task-trained, and deployed effectively to meet operational needs.
• Ensure underground roadways, work areas, and travel routes are maintained to safe standards.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance teams to support planned and unplanned maintenance, ensuring equipment reliability.
• Work with Engineering, Safety, and Geotechnical functions to maintain safe work areas, manage ground conditions, and support planned development.
• Drive improvements across people, process, and equipment to enhance production, reduce waste, and strengthen safety culture.
• Actively contribute to site improvement initiatives, project work, and operational optimisation.

What they are looking for:

Qualifications:

• Formal technical qualification or relevant mining/processing education
• Supervisory or leadership qualifications
• IOSH or equivalent health & safety training

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years' experience in an underground mining, or heavy industrial environment
• Experience supervising production teams in a safety-critical workplace (3-5 years)
• Knowledge of continuous mining equipment, loaders, or similar heavy plant operations
• Experience managing operational KPIs

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills
• High level of situational awareness and hazard recognition
• Analytical and numerical capability for performance tracking
• IT literacy and confidence with digital reporting tools

Benefits:

• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme up to 20% (12% employee, 8% employer)
• Annual medical assessment for all employees
• Eye tests
• Employee assistance programme (for employees and people with whom the live) - access to counselling, alcohol and drug issues, childcare support, tax information, housing concerns, stress and anxiety, bereavement, retirement etc.
• Bike and Technology schemes
• Private healthcare including discounted gym membership with Nuffield Health
• Life assurance and financial planning support

How to apply for the role:

If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click "apply" today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to complete your application and provide any other supporting documents. You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please.