First Quality Foods is a Bristol Based bakery specialising in Flapjack production. We operate a busy factory environment and are looking for an energetic, experienced Operations Manager to manage our continued growth.
The Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth running of the operations department – specifically with regards to Production Planning, Demand Forecasting, Capacity Planning, logistics and Cross-department coordination.
Working closely with the Factory Manager, Commercial team and Supply Chain subordinates, the role plays a key part in balancing customer requirements with factory capability - ensuring materials, labour and production capacity are aligned to deliver a high quality product on time in full while maintaining operational efficiency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Production Planning
- Lead the production planning function. Producing daily, weekly and longer-term manufacturing plans.
- Develop achievable production schedules that maximise factory efficiency while meeting customer demand.
- Ensure production plans reflect available labour, materials, machine capacity and customer priorities.
- Monitor plan adherence and work with production teams to resolve issues and minimise disruption.
Forecasting & Commercial Collaboration
- Work closely with the Commercial team and with Private Label customers to understand customer forecasts, promotions and changing demand.
- Translate sales forecasts and Private Label demand into effective production plans.
- Review forecast accuracy and recommend improvements to planning processes.
- Communicate capacity constraints and planning risks to key stakeholders.
Factory Collaboration
- Work closely with the Factory Manager to ensure the smooth operation of the factory.
- Ensure production plans are practical and deliverable.
- Balance production efficiency & utilisation with employee welfare and customer service requirements.
- Support improvements in production flow, line utilisation and changeover efficiency.
- Support factory manager with the management of available equipment, it’s maintenance and effectiveness for efficient production.
- Respond quickly to changes in demand or operational issues by adjusting production plans where required.
Supply Chain Coordination
- Oversee the supply chain function. Collaborate with Procurement, Technical and Supply Chain subordinates to ensure effective supplier management, material compliance, and cost optimisation.
- Monitor stock levels to maintain product availability while minimising excess inventory.
- Identify potential supply risks and develop contingency plans.
Continuous Improvement
- Support and initiate new, and review existing processes to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and cost savings.
- Develop KPIs where necessary and ensure existing reports are updated and utilised.
- Drive improvements in planning systems and ways of working.
- Promote effective communication across Commercial, Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams.
Key Performance Measures
- Customer service performance (OTIF)
- Production plan adherence
- Forecast accuracy
- Factory utilisation
- Stock availability
- Inventory levels
- Waste reduction
- Cost management
Skills & Experience - Essential
- Experience in production planning within a food manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and production scheduling.
- Experience working with commercial forecasting and customer demand planning.
- Ability to work collaboratively across Commercial, Supply Chain and Manufacturing.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
- Experience managing or developing an operations team.
- Knowledge within bakery or other food manufacturing.
- Continuous improvement or Lean manufacturing experience.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised.
- Strong leadership.
- Collaborative and adaptable.
- Practical and solutions-focused.
- Confident decision maker.
- Cost-conscious.
- Committed to excellent customer service.
Pay: £38,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Bristol BS37 5AH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Operations management: 4 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
