As Operations Manager, you will provide visible and effective leadership across the factory, ensuring the daily production plan is delivered safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
You will lead and develop a high-performing team, drive operational improvements, and ensure full compliance with quality, technical, food safety, health and safety, and legal requirements. Working closely with the Head of Operations and wider leadership team, you will play a critical role in delivering sustainable operational performance and supporting the continued success of the business.
Key ResponsibilitiesSafety Leadership
- Create and maintain a strong safety-first culture through visible leadership and positive example.
- Ensure the safe operation of manufacturing activities at all times.
- Complete and verify equipment pre-start checks and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
- Act as Incident Controller during planned and emergency evacuations.
- Lead accident and incident investigations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Promote near-miss reporting and proactive risk management.
- Ensure manufacturing risk assessments remain current, effective, and compliant.
Operational Performance
- Deliver the daily production plan safely, efficiently, and in line with agreed standards.
- Lead Daily Operations Reviews and Production Productivity Tier meetings.
- Ensure effective labour deployment and resource planning.
- Monitor and improve key performance indicators, including:
- Labour variance
- Yield performance
- Material variance
- Schedule adherence
- Waste reduction
- Ensure accurate production reporting and effective shift handovers.
- Escalate operational risks and planning concerns where appropriate.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.
Leadership & People Development
- Lead, coach, motivate, and develop a high-performing production team.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews, and development discussions.
- Manage attendance, absence, performance, disciplinary matters, and colleague welfare in a fair and consistent manner.
- Ensure colleagues receive appropriate training and development opportunities.
- Support recruitment, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
- Build a positive, inclusive working environment aligned with company values and behaviours.
- Effectively communicate business objectives, performance updates, and key messages.
- Encourage colleague engagement, involvement, and continuous feedback.
Quality, Compliance & Standards
- Ensure the highest standards of food safety, quality, hygiene, GMP, and legal compliance are maintained.
- Maintain audit readiness at all times.
- Ensure technical procedures and documentation are completed accurately and on time.
- Investigate non-conformances and implement effective corrective and preventative actions.
- Ensure all products meet customer and company specifications before leaving site.
- Oversee equipment condition audits and ensure issues are addressed promptly.
New Product Development
- Support and lead operational trials to achieve required performance, quality, cost, and compliance objectives.
- Drive operational readiness and ownership from trial stage through to full production launch.
Business Leadership
- Work collaboratively with the Head of Operations and wider leadership team to achieve site objectives.
- Share best practice across departments and shifts.
- Support operational change programmes and site improvement projects.
- Provide leadership cover during periods of absence where required.
- Translate business objectives into clear and actionable plans for the production team.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will be a confident people leader with a proven track record of delivering results within a manufacturing, food production, or FMCG environment.
You will bring:
- Proven leadership experience within manufacturing, food production, or FMCG.
- Strong people management, coaching, and team development skills.
- A passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and decision-making abilities.
- Sound understanding of Health & Safety, Quality, Food Safety, and GMP standards.
- Experience managing production performance and operational KPIs.
- The ability to influence, engage, and motivate teams at all levels.
- A proactive and hands-on leadership approach with a focus on delivering results.
Why Join Alfred G Pearce Ltd?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a business that values safety, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement. You will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team, influence operational performance, and play a key role in shaping the future success of the site.
If you're an experienced Operations Manager ready to lead people, drive performance, and deliver excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
