Operations Manager

First Quality Foods; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

First Quality Foods in Bristol is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the Operations department, focusing on Production Planning, Demand Forecasting, Capacity Planning, Logistics and cross‑department coordination.

You will work closely with the Factory Manager, Commercial team and Supply Chain colleagues to balance customer requirements with factory capability—ensuring materials, labour and production capacity align to deliver a high quality product on time in full while maintaining

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Translate sales forecasts and Private Label demand into effective production plans.
• Review forecast accuracy and recommend improvements to planning processes.

Skills

Production Planning

Forecasting

Capacity Planning

Logistics

Cross-Dept Coordination

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Job description

A key position offered at First Quality Foods, 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 accuracyFactory 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.