The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day production, maintenance, and supply chain functions. This role ensures that manufacturing operations run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety, BRC and customer standards. The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement in productivity, quality, and cost-efficiency while supporting the companys growth strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the production and operations teams to achieve output, quality, and efficiency
- targets.
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety Standard, HACCP, HSE regulations, and customer
- requirements.
- Oversee planning and scheduling of production to meet customer demand and delivery deadlines. Drive a culture of continuous improvement (CI), lean manufacturing, and waste reduction.
- Manage and monitor KPIs including OEE, downtime, waste, yield, and labour efficiency.
- Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are in place and effectively executed.
- Partner with Technical/Quality team to ensure highest standards of hygiene, audit readiness, and
- traceability.
- Lead, coach, and develop staff through training, performance management, and succession
- planning.
- Oversee site health & safety systems, risk assessments, and promote a strong safety culture.
- Manage budgets for labour, materials, energy, and overheads in line with company objectives.
- Support NPD (new product development) and engineering projects with operational input.
- Act as a key point of contact for senior management, auditors, and external stakeholders.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Minimum 5 years experience in a food manufacturing operations management role.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, HSE compliance, and food safety standards.
- Proven track record of managing and motivating production teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Strong analytical ability with experience in KPI tracking and reporting.
- Experience in lean manufacturing / continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Desirable:
- Degree in Food Technology, Engineering, Business Management, or related discipline.
Key Competencies
- Leadership & People Management
- Results Driven
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability & Resilience
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
