Operations Manager

Factorial HR; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Health & well-being support

Employee discount

Annual pay reviews

Profit related pay

Extended leave

Free on-site parking

Training & growth opportunities

Job summary

Walker & Son Bakery in Leicester seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations within a fast-paced FMCG environment. You will work as a pivotal member of the Senior Leadership Team, deputising to the Site Director and driving operational excellence across manufacturing, continuous improvement and strategic transformation initiatives for sustainable growth.

You will shape the site’s capability, lead transformation programmes, and develop future leadership while ensuring

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in fast-paced FMCG or food manufacturing.
• Experience managing large teams and developing talent.
• Successful track record in transformation and continuous improvement programmes.
• Commercially astute with strong budget management.
• Able to influence senior leadership and lead through change and ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the site's operational strategy and drive improvements.
• Depose for the Site Director and lead key operations functions.
• Drive major transformation projects to improve safety, quality, service, cost, and sustainability.
• Develop future leadership through talent identification and coaching.
• Build cross-functional relationships to support growth and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Senior leadership

People management

Change management

Strategic planning

Budget management

Job description

About The Role

Are you an experienced manufacturing leader looking for your next challenge in a fast-paced FMCG environment? Walker & Son Bakery is seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team at our busy Leicester manufacturing site. This is a pivotal role offering the opportunity to shape operational strategy, drive business transformation, and develop the future capability of the site. As a key member of the senior team and deputy to the Site Director, you will lead operational excellence across manufacturing, continuous improvement, and strategic transformation initiatives while ensuring the site is positioned for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the site's operational strategy, driving performance, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deputise for the Site Director and provide leadership across key operational functions and stakeholder groups.
• Drive major business transformation projects to improve safety, quality, service, cost, and sustainability performance.
• Develop future leadership capability through talent identification, succession planning, and coaching.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to support business growth, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

About You

We believe success comes from collaboration and diverse perspectives. At Samworth Brothers, we value team players who are driven to achieve great results together. You’ll bring the following skills and experience:

• Proven leader senior ship experience within a fast-paced FMCG or food manufacturing environment.
• Strong people leadership skills with experience managing large teams and developing future talent.
• Demonstrated success leading significant change, transformation, and continuous improvement programmes.
• Commercially astute with strong financial awareness and budget management experience.
• Able to influence at senior leadership level and lead effectively through change and ambiguity.

What We Offer

• Company pension scheme
• Access to health and well-being support, such as healthcare, optical and dental discounts
• Employee discount scheme
• Experience annual pay reviews
• Profit related pay
• Opportunity for extended leave
• Free on-site parking
• Unlock your potential through training and growth opportunities

About Us

Samworth Brothers is a fourth-generation family business, trusted by many of the UK’s best-known retailers to produce high-quality own-label products. Alongside these, we’re proud to craft and deliver our own iconic brands, including Ginsters, Soreen, Higgidy, Dickinson & Morris, Urban Eat, West Cornwall Pasty Company, and Walker & Son.

With over 10,000 talented colleagues working across our modern, well-invested food manufacturing sites nationwide, we’re committed to excellence in everything we do—from the food we make to the careers we build.

At Samworth Brothers, you’re more than just an employee, you are part of our strong family culture. Our collaborative approach and strong team spirit help us support one another and achieve great things together. As part of a well-established group, we offer stability, opportunity, and a place where you can truly thrive.

Ready to make a difference? Join us and be part of something special!

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities employer making diversity and inclusion a core part of everything we do. We also actively welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals and are committed to a recruitment process that’s fair, respectful, and free from bias. If you need any adaptations to the application or interview process, please do let us know.

Samworth Brothers do not engage with unlicensed gangmasters or third parties. Samworth Brothers will NEVER ask you for money in order to provide you with employment. If you are in any doubt, please contact an official Samworth Brothers representative.