This is a pivotal role that sits close to the factory floor, requiring a leader who can balance strategic input with daily operational excellence. You will report directly to the Managing Director, playing a key role in the general management and future growth of the business.
The Role
As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day production activities, ensuring that safe, high-quality products are delivered efficiently and on time. You will lead the production team from the front, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Control: Lead daily production across assigned lines to meet volume, quality, and cost targets while monitoring throughput, yield, and waste.
Quality & Compliance: Enforce strict HACCP, GMP, and BRC/FSSC 22000 standards, ensuring rigorous allergen controls and hygiene procedures are followed.
People Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop operators and production supervisors. You will manage performance, attendance, and shift discipline to build a high-performing floor culture.
HSE Management: Maintain a safe working environment, leading safety observations, investigations, and ensuring total compliance with risk assessments.
Continuous Improvement: Drive "Lean" initiatives (5S, standard work) to reduce rework and downtime, using KPI data to trigger corrective actions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to support trials, changeovers, and new product introductions.
The Ideal Candidate
Technical Expertise: Proven experience in food manufacturing environments (specifically ingredients, powders, liquids, or blending/extrusion).
Standards Driven: Strong knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, GMP, BRC) and experience supporting internal and external audits.
Leadership Style: A calm, decisive leader who can communicate clearly across shifts and hold high standards consistently.
Qualifications: Ideally IOSH certified with food safety qualifications and an NVQ/HNC/HND or equivalent experience in a process manufacturing environment.
Why Apply?
Impact: This is a critical role where your leadership directly influences food safety and operational success.
Senior Exposure: Direct involvement in the strategic direction of the company.
Competitive Package: A strong salary range and the stability of a permanent role in a specialized sector.
If you, or anyone you know would be interested in learning about this, feel free to call me on (phone number removed), or email me at (url removed)
Salary description
£55000.00 - £60000.00 per year