Process Operations Manager

We’re looking for a Process Operations Manager to lead the effective management and continuous improvement of ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre’s pilot plant production, kitchen and testing facilities. You’ll help ensure our facilities, equipment and operating practices reflect food industry best practice, creating a safe, inclusive and collaborative environment that enables our technical and innovation teams to deliver high-quality consultancy, research and teaching activity for the food manufacturing sector in Wales and across the UK.

You’ll play a key role in:

• Leading the safe, compliant and effective operation of production, kitchen and testing facilities, working collaboratively with NPD, Bakery and Waste Reduction teams.
• Managing Health & Safety, food safety and hygiene compliance, including risk assessments, SOPs, user documentation and routine operational checks.
• Overseeing equipment registers, asset controls, planned preventative maintenance programmes, calibration schedules and associated records.
• Coordinating capital equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, lifecycle management and continuous improvement.
• Developing inductions, specialist training and competency records for staff, students and other facility users.
• Providing operational and process expertise and support for projects, client factory trials, validation activity, research, consultancy and funded programmes.

What you’ll bring

You’ll combine substantial senior food manufacturing experience with practical, hands-on knowledge of production operations, equipment and engineering. You’ll be confident managing food safety and Health & Safety risk, working across different processing environments and building strong relationships with colleagues, contractors, clients and external stakeholders.

Additionally, you will have

• A degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline, or equivalent experience, together with Level 3 Food Safety Management and HACCP or equivalent experience.
• A Health & Safety qualification such as NEBOSH or IOSH, or equivalent experience, and a current UK driving licence.
• A track records of senior management experience in food manufacturing operations and/or engineering across at least three product categories and processing environments, including high-care/high-risk operations.
• Experience of the UK retail supply chain, with strong knowledge of GMP, GHP, food safety and Health & Safety risk management.
• Practical experience of installing and commissioning safe and legal processes/equipment and establishing and managing planned preventative maintenance programmes.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact us

For more information about the role please contact Simon Burns on [email protected].

All applications must be submitted online.

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

Further details:

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.

Why Work Here?

We invite you to join our collaborative community!

Dating back to 1865, we remain rooted in Wales with a global reach, offering you a world of opportunity. Our education, research and innovation deliver positive impact for equality, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, locally, nationally and internationally.

Are you ready to contribute to something remarkable?

Join us in helping us to progress and deliver real change.

Job Details

School/Unit
ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre

Location
Llandaff Campus

Salary
£53,301 to £61,759 per annum

Permanent

Post Type
Full Time

Closing Date
Friday 30 October 2026

Interview Date
Monday 23 November 2026

Reference
2627090