Operations Manager

Henderson Brown Recruitment; Lenham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Henderson Brown Recruitment is seeking an experienced Operations Manager for a well-established FMCG business in Kent. You will own the fast-paced production, packing and warehousing operation, driving improvements in performance, efficiency and profitability.

You will lead across Production, Packing, Quality and Warehousing, develop the leadership team, manage budgets and costings, and partner with Commercial, Technical, Quality, HR and Transport to raise standards of food safety and customer

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an Operations Management or senior operational leadership role within a reputable FMCG company.
• Experience leading a sizeable, multi-shift or 24/7 operation, across production and warehouse.
• Strong people leadership, developing talent and building accountability and engagement.
• Track record of improving operational performance, productivity, labour efficiency, yield and waste.
• Commercial and financial acumen, owning budgets, costings and forecasting.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement and automation opportunities.
• Understanding of food safety, quality, traceability, GMP, health and safety and audits.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret KPIs and drive improvements.
• Visible, hands-on leadership style engaging teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across Production, Packing, Quality and Warehousing.
• Own operational budgets, costings and forecasting to maximise site profitability.
• Drive productivity, labour efficiency, yield and waste reduction.
• Use KPIs and data to identify underperformance and deliver sustainable improvements.
• Develop and strengthen the operational leadership team and culture of accountability.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Technical, Quality, HR and Transport to optimise processes.

Skills

Operations leadership

Production management

Labour productivity

Budgeting & cost control

KPI analysis

Continuous improvement

Food safety & GMP

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to join a well‑established and growing FMCG business in Kent. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to take ownership of a fast‑paced production, packing and warehouse operation, driving improvements in operational performance, efficiency and commercial results while supporting the business's continued growth.

As Operations Manager, you will lead the day‑to‑day operations across Production, Packing, Quality and Warehousing, ensuring customer requirements, production plans and operational targets are consistently achieved. With a strong focus on productivity, labour efficiency, cost control and continuous improvement, you will use operational data and KPIs to identify opportunities, address underperformance and deliver sustainable improvements across the site.

A key part of the role will be developing and strengthening the operational leadership team, coaching managers and supervisors, and embedding a culture of accountability, engagement and high performance. You will also take responsibility for operational budgets and costings, with a particular focus on improving yield, reducing waste, optimising labour and maximising overall site profitability. Working closely with Commercial, Technical, Quality, HR and Transport teams, you will play an important role in improving processes, exploring automation opportunities and ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, health and safety and customer compliance.

Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience in an Operations Management or senior operational leadership role within a reputable FMCG company.
• Experience leading a sizeable, fast‑paced, multi‑shift or 24/7 operation, with responsibility across production and warehouse functions.
• Strong people leadership skills, with experience managing through managers and supervisors, developing talent and building a culture of accountability and engagement.
• A demonstrable track record of improving operational performance, productivity, labour efficiency, yield and waste.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including ownership of operational budgets, costings, forecasting and performance against targets.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives, improving processes and maximising equipment and labour utilisation.
• A good understanding of food safety, quality, traceability, GMP, health and safety and audit requirements.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret operational data, manage KPIs and translate performance insights into practical improvements.
• A visible, hands‑on and decisive leadership style, with the ability to engage teams, influence stakeholders and remain calm under pressure.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions while balancing operational priorities with customer service and profitability.

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