Are you a hands-on leader with a background in complex food manufacturing? We are representing a highly respected specialist in the food ingredient sector who is seeking a frontline Operations Manager.

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)