Operations Manager

Lactalis Ltd.; Aberystwyth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rachel’s Dairy in Aberystwyth, Wales, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our end-to-end manufacturing site. You will drive safety, quality and efficiency while delivering customer satisfaction and growth.

You will manage the flow from raw materials to finished goods, develop high-performing teams and implement continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced FMCG environment. The role requires strong leadership, commercial awareness and a track record of delivering

Qualifications

• Leads manufacturing operations with a focus on safety, quality and efficiency.
• Experience in fast-paced FMCG environments with continuous improvement mindset.
• Proven ability to develop and coach high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee flow of materials and products from raw materials to finished goods.
• Drive continuous improvement, maximise productivity and reduce waste.
• Ensure operational performance supports strategic objectives.
• Lead a diverse operations team and foster accountability and teamwork.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and quality systems.

Skills

Operations leadership

FMCG experience

Continuous improvement

People development

Quality management

Food safety

Cost awareness

Job description

Rachel’s Dairy – Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

Are you an experienced operations leader looking to make a significant impact within a successful and growing food manufacturing business?

Rachel’s Dairy is seeking an ambitious and driven Operations Manager to lead our end-to-end operations function at our Aberystwyth site. This is a key leadership role, responsible for overseeing operational activities while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Working closely with the Plant Manager and senior leadership team, you will play a vital role in delivering operational excellence, developing high-performing teams and supporting the continued growth of the business.

About Us

At Rachel’s, we’ve been pioneering organic dairy since day one. Founded by local farmers in the heart of Aberystwyth, Wales, we became the UK’s first certified organic dairy and have since earned 9 Great Taste Awards for our exceptional products. Today, we’re proudly part of Lactalis, the world’s leading dairy company, with over 85,000 employees across 51 countries, combining local heritage with global expertise.

About the Role

As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for managing the flow of materials and products from raw materials and packaging through to finished goods. You will drive continuous improvement initiatives, maximise productivity, reduce waste and ensure operational performance supports the company’s strategic objectives.

You will lead a diverse operational team and create a culture that promotes accountability, teamwork, engagement and continuous development.

About You

You’ll be a confident and inspirational leader with experience managing manufacturing operations within a fast‑paced FMCG food production environment.

You will have experience of leading and developing operational teams, driving high levels of performance, and creating a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

You will possess a strong understanding of FMCG manufacturing, food safety legislation and quality management systems, with the ability to ensure compliance whilst delivering operational efficiencies. You will be highly organised, commercially aware and capable of making sound decisions in a demanding production environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operations professional who is passionate about developing people, improving processes and delivering outstanding business results through safe, efficient and effective manufacturing operations

Please be advised that we can only accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK