Operations Manager

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to take hands-on responsibility for the safe, reliable and consistent operation of a specialist food-production site.

This is not a purely strategic or office-based management position. You will work closely with production, roasting, procurement and inventory teams to identify operational risks, solve recurring problems and introduce practical improvements on the shop floor.

You will own health and safety across the site, maintain the SOP framework and ensure procedures support safe and consistent working practices. You will also oversee planned preventative maintenance, improve equipment reliability, manage an Operations Coordinator and coordinate external contractors.

A significant part of the role involves investigating recurring process and equipment problems, establishing their root causes and implementing lasting solutions. You will also provide operational input when new equipment, products or processes are introduced.

Food safety and compliance form an important part of the position. You will be expected to maintain effective operational controls and keep the site audit-ready against HACCP, GMP and BRCGS requirements.

Applicants must have:

• Practical operations experience gained within manufacturing or production.
• An IOSH or NEBOSH qualification and evidence of applying health and safety standards in an operational environment.
• Experience creating, reviewing and implementing site SOPs.
• A record of delivering measurable continuous improvements.
• Experience addressing process, maintenance or equipment-reliability issues.
• The ability to coordinate contractors and manage a direct report.
• Relevant knowledge of food-safety and manufacturing compliance.

Experience within food manufacturing or FMCG is strongly preferred. Applications should clearly describe improvements you have personally delivered, the operational problems you solved and your involvement in health and safety, SOPs, maintenance and compliance.

Benefits include an enhanced workplace pension, income protection, group life assurance, a cycle-to-work scheme, workplace nursery support, an employee assistance programme and an at-home coffee allowance.