Operations Manager

Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner; Cranbrook; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in South East England is seeking an experienced Operations Manager. You will oversee production, quality, and packaging while ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational KPIs. Ideal candidates have strong management skills and experience with BRC and HACCP requirements. This is a full-time role offering a salary between £60,000 and £70,000, alongside various benefits.

Benefits

Stable position

Opportunity to lead teams

Supportive senior management

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an operational management role within food manufacturing.
• Strong people management and communication skills.
• Good understanding of BRC, HACCP and audit requirements.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to work to targets and budgets.
• Hands-on, organised and able to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support production, warehousing and packaging teams.
• Maintain product quality and food safety standards.
• Deliver operational KPIs and improve site performance.
• Manage budgets and costs effectively.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and audit standards.

Skills

Operational management experience

People management skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of BRC and HACCP

Commercial awareness

Job description

Operations Manager – Food Manufacturing

South East England | Full-time | 40 hours per week

£60,000 – £70,000 + benefits

A food manufacturing business is looking for a Operations Manager to oversee production, quality and packaging. This is a senior role with responsibility for day-to-day operations, ensuring products are made to the right standards, on time and efficiently.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and support production, warehousing and packaging teams
• Maintain product quality and food safety standards
• Deliver operational KPIs and improve site performance
• Manage budgets and costs effectively
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and audit standards (BRC, HACCP, EHO)
• Oversee daily planning, scheduling and procurement
• Support Health & Safety and ensure procedures are followed
• Identify training and development needs across the team
• Implement and review operational policies and objectives
• Work with senior management on site strategy and improvement plans

Requirements

• Proven experience in an operational management role within food manufacturing
• Strong people management and communication skills
• Good understanding of BRC, HACCP and audit requirements
• Commercial awareness and the ability to work to targets and budgets
• Hands-on, organised and able to work under pressure

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £60,000 – £70,000
• Stable, full-time position
• Opportunity to lead and develop operational teams
• Supportive senior management team