Operations Manager

Blakeney Point Search; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Leeds is seeking an Operations Manager to enhance operational excellence, ensure safety compliance, and lead a high-performing team. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in food manufacturing, proven leadership skills, and experience with Lean Manufacturing. This role offers a competitive salary package, career development opportunities, and a supportive culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

22 days holiday + bank holidays

Career development opportunities

Monday to Friday work schedule

Qualifications

• Food Manufacturing background essential.
• Ability to inspire and build high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of health & safety standards necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culture of safety and compliance across operations.
• Drive operational performance against KPIs.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

Skills

Leadership in food manufacturing

People management

Health & safety standards knowledge

Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma

Operational performance tracking

Excel reporting

Job description

About the Role

We are recruiting for an Operations Manager to join a leading food manufacturer in the Leeds area. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, embedding a people-first culture, and leading continuous improvement across a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

You'll be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective running of site operations while motivating, developing, and empowering your team to deliver outstanding results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and embed a culture of safety, food safety, and compliance across all operations.
• Deliver operational performance against KPIs including plan adherence, GMP, RFT %, OTIF logistics, and productivity.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, driving efficiency, waste reduction, and process optimisation.
• Own and deliver hazard assessments, risk assessments, and safety tours, ensuring corrective actions are closed out promptly.
• Be a hands-on leader and visible presence on the shop floor, ensuring teams are engaged, supported, and empowered.
• Provide strong leadership in team development, recruitment, retention, and training compliance.
• Ensure robust HACCP, allergen management, SOPs, and quality systems are followed and continuously improved.
• Maintain technical and customer compliance, ensuring product quality and standards are consistently met.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver business objectives and support strategic initiatives.

Key Skills & Requirements

• Food Manufacturing background is essential - with proven leadership and people management experience in the sector.
• A true people person - able to inspire, coach, and build high-performing, engaged teams.
• Strong understanding of health & safety standards (IOSH or equivalent qualification desirable).
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher preferred) to drive operational improvements.
• Demonstrated ability in planning, logistics, and operational performance tracking.
• Skilled in Excel reporting and data-driven decision making.
• Knowledge of RCA (Root Cause Analysis), Hazard Analysis, HACCP, and Food Safety.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary package (depending on experience).
• Monday to Friday - no weekend shift pattern.
• 22 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading food manufacturer.
• A culture that values continuous improvement, collaboration, and people development.
• Career development and progression opportunities.