Operations Manager

Haughey Recruitment; Dungannon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day production, maintenance, and supply chain functions. The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with food safety standards and leading teams effectively. This role requires a proven background in food manufacturing operations management with strong leadership and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a food manufacturing operations management role.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, HSE compliance, and food safety standards.
• Proven track record of managing and motivating production teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical ability with experience in KPI tracking and reporting.
• Experience in lean manufacturing / continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage production and operations teams to achieve targets.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations.
• Oversee planning and scheduling of production.
• Manage and monitor KPIs including OEE, downtime, and yield.
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are in place.
• Partner with Technical/Quality team for hygiene and audit readiness.
• Lead, coach, and develop staff through training.
• Oversee site health & safety systems.
• Manage budgets for labour and materials.
• Support NPD and engineering projects with operational input.

Job description

Overview

The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day production, maintenance, and supply chain functions. This role ensures that manufacturing operations run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety, BRC and customer standards. The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement in productivity, quality, and cost-efficiency while supporting the company’s growth strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the production and operations teams to achieve output, quality, and efficiency targets.
• Ensure compliance with Food Safety Standard, HACCP, HSE regulations, and customer requirements.
• Oversee planning and scheduling of production to meet customer demand and delivery deadlines. Drive a culture of continuous improvement (CI), lean manufacturing, and waste reduction.
• Manage and monitor KPIs including OEE, downtime, waste, yield, and labour efficiency.
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are in place and effectively executed.
• Partner with Technical/Quality team to ensure highest standards of hygiene, audit readiness, and traceability.
• Lead, coach, and develop staff through training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Oversee site health & safety systems, risk assessments, and promote a strong safety culture.
• Manage budgets for labour, materials, energy, and overheads in line with company objectives.
• Support NPD (new product development) and engineering projects with operational input.
• Act as a key point of contact for senior management, auditors, and external stakeholders.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a food manufacturing operations management role.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, HSE compliance, and food safety standards.
• Proven track record of managing and motivating production teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical ability with experience in KPI tracking and reporting.
• Experience in lean manufacturing / continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable:

• Degree in Food Technology, Engineering, Business Management, or related discipline.

Key Competencies

• Leadership & People Management
• Results Driven
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability & Resilience
• Continuous Improvement Mindset