Operations Manager (FMCG)

Based just north of the central belt, an experienced Operations Manager is required to take overall responsibility for the performance and day-to-day management of a large, multi-shift manufacturing site.

Reporting to the senior operations leadership team, the successful candidate will provide strong leadership across production, engineering, hygiene and processing, while creating a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence and accountability.

The role will have responsibility for approximately 80 employees and a team of direct reports, with a strong focus on achieving business plans, managing costs and P&L performance, maintaining high standards of quality and compliance, and delivering safe, efficient production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage site production activities from raw materials through to finished product, ensuring production plans are achieved efficiently, accurately and cost-effectively.
• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency, product quality and cost reduction.
• Establish and monitor effective KPIs and ensure robust reporting and performance management.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, quality, hygiene, Health & Safety, GMP and environmental compliance.
• Ensure effective production planning, stock control, resource utilisation and workforce scheduling.
• Lead, develop and manage employees, including recruitment, inductions, appraisals, team briefings, return-to-work meetings and disciplinary processes where required.
• Oversee production shift management, processing, engineering, hygiene and associated site activities, ensuring work is completed safely, on time and to the required standard.
• Work closely with Technical teams on customer, regulatory and accreditation audits, including BRC and retailer requirements.
• Support factory trials and new product or process initiatives.
• Analyse monthly production P&L performance, identify opportunities for improvement and ensure costs are managed within budget.
• Support monthly cost forecasting and ensure production invoices are accurate.
• Liaise effectively with internal departments, customers, contractors and other stakeholders as required.
• Ensure appropriate systems, procedures and policies are implemented, maintained and continuously improved.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

• Extensive management experience, ideally within food, drink or another complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing a labour-intensive, multi-shift operation.
• Strong commercial and P&L experience.
• A proven track record of leading and developing people.
• Strong understanding of operational performance, continuous improvement and cost management.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• A structured, systematic approach combined with strong problem-solving ability.
• The confidence to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail.

What the Role Offers

This is a senior operational leadership opportunity for an individual who can combine commercial awareness with strong people leadership and hands-on operational management.

The successful candidate will have significant influence over site performance, culture, efficiency and future development, working across a broad range of operational functions within a demanding manufacturing environment.