About the Role
Here at DS Smith Mercia, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Shift Manager to join our Warehouse team and play a key role in the continued development of our warehouse based onsite at a key customers global site.
Reporting to the General Manager, you will work closely with site leadership to ensure productivity plans are delivered, departmental targets are achieved, and continuous improvement remains a core focus. This is a visible leadership role where strong communication, people management, and operational skills are essential.
Leading from the front in a fast-paced environment, you will drive productivity while maintaining high standards of health & safety, quality, engagement, and cost efficiency. You will actively deliver improvements such as waste reduction and process optimisation to support site performance.
With a hands-on leadership style, you will motivate your team to achieve KPIs, foster a positive, high-performance culture, and work collaboratively with your manager and fellow site leaders to implement improvements and deliver a first-class service to our customer.
Key Responsibilities: (included but not limited)
* Ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times and team compliance with all company safety procedures and legislation

* Review & Update Risk Assessments & Safe Systems of Work

* Analyse contractor Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) & documentation to be able to issue permits

* Monitoring progress, adjusting plans as needed, and maintaining oversight of the shift warehousing operation covering production, goods in, putaway, replenishment, picking and despatching.

* Managing warehouse & production tasks using a warehouse management system to maximize efficiency and meet deadlines.

* Analysing variances in stock and implementing corrective actions

* Collaborate with Internal colleagues in Supply Chain and Design & Innovation to promote continuous improvement and drive the overall success of the site

* Build strong relationships with key stakeholders on site and throughout the business

* Drive performance, productivity and cost saving initiatives.

About You
We’re looking for a proactive, resilient leader with proven experience managing teams in a warehousing environment — production experience is a plus. You’ll be a visible, hands-on leader who builds trust, drives engagement, and holds people accountable. Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a solid understanding of health & safety, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices. You’ll be confident making decisions under pressure, adaptable to change, and able to use data to inform strategies and optimize performance.
Minimum Requirements:
* A safety-first mindset with the ability to engage and influence others around health and safety

* Previous experience of leading a team in a warehouse environment

* A strong track record of driving continuous improvement projects

* A genuine passion for developing and investing in your team

* Strong administration skills and IT literate

* The ability to work at pace, meet deadlines, and thrive in a pressurised environment

* A collaborative, team-focused approach, working effectively with other departments to achieve shared goals

Benefits
Additional benefits include:
* 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

* Pension scheme

* Life assurance

* Income protection

* Employee assistance program

* Cycle to work scheme

* Shopping discounts

* Subsidised staff canteen

* On site parking

Location: On site - Swadlincote
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday rotating shift, one week AM shift, one week PM shift
AM shift - 06:00am till 14:30pm
PM Shift - 14:30pm till 23:00pm (NB. Currently there is an interim arrangement where the hours are 11:30am till 20:00pm on pm shift)
About us
We’re DS Smith, the company who are redefining packaging for a changing world. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market-leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
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