General Manager

Kersia, inventing a food safe world; Lockerbie; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kersia, inventing a food safe world, is seeking an experienced Operations Lead to run our Lockerbie site, ensuring SHEQ compliance and delivering OTIF, quality and cost targets. You will steer capital projects, optimise inventory and leverage ERP systems to boost profitability.

The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and travel to other UK/European sites as needed. You will report to the Operations Director and develop teams to achieve high performance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large-scale capital investment projects.
• Experience leading engineering-related projects and initiatives.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical and solution-focused approach to problem solving.
• Experience managing and developing multi-disciplinary operational teams.
• Ability to travel to other UK and European sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all site operations, ensuring compliance with SHEQ standards and company policies.
• Drive performance to achieve OTIF, quality, productivity and cost targets.
• Identify and implement efficiency improvements and cost reductions.
• Provide strategic recommendations to support growth and improvements.
• Prepare and present monthly operational KPI and performance reports.
• Partner with the Operations Director on budgets and financial targets.
• Ensure maximum ROI from capital expenditure and equipment.
• Lead cross-functional projects and capital investments site-wide.
• Manage contractor and supplier relationships, including engineering works.
• Deputise for the Operations Director and represent operations locally and globally.
• Lead, coach and develop managers and teams for high performance.
• Ensure ERP data accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Oversee inventory management, stock control and cost optimisation.

Skills

Capital investment projects

Engineering projects

Manufacturing environment

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical problem solving

Team development

Travel to UK/Europe sites

Education

Degree educated or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Office 365

Job description

Mission

• Lead all site operations, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) standards and company policies.
• Drive operational performance to achieve OTIF (On Time In Full), quality, productivity and cost targets.
• Identify and implement initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase profitability.
• Provide strategic recommendations to support continuous improvement and business growth.
• Prepare and present monthly operational KPI and performance reports.
• Partner with the Operations Director to develop operational budgets and monitor financial performance against targets.
• Ensure maximum return on investment from capital expenditure, plant and equipment.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration to deliver operational and business improvement projects.
• Lead significant operational and capital investment projects across the site.
• Manage contractor and supplier relationships, including engineering and construction activities.
• Deputise for the Operations Director as required, representing Operations at both local and global levels.
• Act as the escalation point for operational managers on employee relations and people management matters.
• Lead, coach and develop managers and team members, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Conduct performance reviews, appraisals and development planning activities.
• Ensure ERP system compliance, data accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Oversee inventory management, stock control and cost optimisation activities.

Profil

Essential

• Proven experience managing large-scale capital investment projects.
• Experience leading engineering-related projects and initiatives.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical and solution-focused approach to problem solving.
• Experience managing and developing multi-disciplinary operational teams.
• Ability to travel to other UK and European sites as required.

Desirable

• IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification.
• Project Management qualification.
• Degree educated or equivalent professional experience.

IT Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams).
• Familiarity with ERP systems.
• Power BI knowledge would be advantageous.
• Experience producing KPI reports, operational dashboards and performance analysis.