Operations Manager

ZipRecruiter; Newark on Trent; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer seeks an Interim Site Operations Manager to oversee site operations and drive a culture of excellence. This role is pivotal in shaping operational strategies and ensuring compliance while fostering a high-performance culture. Ideal candidates will have a strong leadership background in manufacturing and a focus on continuous improvement.

Benefits

Critical leadership role with real impact

Opportunity to shape site direction

Supportive and results-focused environment

Qualifications

• Proven track record as a General Manager or senior operational leader in manufacturing.
• Strong background in strategic planning and budgeting.
• High-level problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily site operations to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Drive lean manufacturing and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Own and manage site budgets, ensuring profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Budgeting

Operational Execution

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Process Optimisation

Stakeholder Engagement

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Site Operations Manager (Interim)

About the Role

We’re working in partnership with a market-leading food manufacturer to recruit an Interim Site General Manager. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing all site operations, aligning manufacturing strategies with business goals, and driving a culture of operational excellence.

As Interim Site GM, you will lead from the front—embedding lean manufacturing principles, optimising performance, and championing continuous improvement across all functions. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the site while ensuring the highest standards of productivity, safety, and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of daily site operations to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Drive lean manufacturing and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Set strategic direction for site development and operational performance.
• Own and manage site budgets, driving cost efficiencies and profitability.
• Ensure workforce productivity, engagement, and development through effective leadership.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to meet customer expectations and business goals.
• Monitor and report KPIs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate H&S strategy and implementation across the site.
• Ensure all operations are fully compliant with legislation and internal policies.
• Lead audits and performance reviews in H&S, reporting to senior management and external bodies.
• Develop and deliver local social and environmental strategies in line with corporate goals.
• Promote environmental and social responsibility in all site activities.

About You:

• Proven track record as a General Manager or senior operational leader in manufacturing (preferably food/FMCG).
• Strong background in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational execution.
• A natural leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High-level problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong analytical mindset with a continuous improvement focus.
• Skilled in performance management, process optimisation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Comfortable leading change and fostering a high-performance culture.

What’s On Offer

• A critical interim leadership role with real impact.
• Opportunity to shape the direction of a market-leading site.
• A supportive and results-focused environment.

How to Apply

If you're ready to take on a high-impact interim leadership role with a leading name in food manufacturing, we want to hear from you.