General Manager

Kersia, inventing a food safe world; Lockerbie; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kersia is seeking an experienced Operations Leader to head site operations in Lockerbie, UK. You will drive OTIF, quality, productivity and cost targets while ensuring SHEQ compliance and strategic growth.

You will lead large-scale capital investment projects, manage cross-functional teams, and optimise inventory, ERP data accuracy and KPI reporting. Travel to other UK/European sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large-scale capital investments.
• Experience leading engineering-related projects in manufacturing.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Willingness to travel across UK and Europe as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead site operations ensuring SHEQ compliance with standards and policies.
• Drive OTIF, quality, productivity and cost targets.
• Prepare and present monthly operational KPI and performance reports.
• Partner with the Operations Director to develop operational budgets and monitor performance.
• Oversee inventory management and cost optimisation activities.
• Lead capital investment projects and manage contractor relationships.

Skills

Site leadership

Capital investment

Manufacturing ops

ERP systems

KPI reporting

Power BI

Excel

Stakeholder mgmt

Travel flexibility

Education

Degree educated or equivalent

Tools

ERP software

Power BI

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.