Operations Manager

Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing recruitment partner is seeking an Operations Manager for a fast-paced site in Newtownards. The role will involve managing multiple production lines, leading teams, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Ideal candidates will have FMCG experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to drive operational efficiency. This full-time position is essential for maintaining high service standards and production output in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in FMCG food manufacturing.
• Ability to manage and develop cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, GMP, and HACCP standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations across multiple production lines.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, and resource utilisation.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety and audit standards.

Skills

Strong experience in FMCG food manufacturing

Proven leadership of large teams in a high-volume production environment

Experience managing KPIs, planning, training, and continuous improvement

Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, food safety standards, and audit expectations

Strong communication, decision-making, and organisational skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and lead through change

Job description

Food and Drinks Manufacturing Recruitment Consultant

Operations Manager – Newtownards

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager will be responsible for leading the day-to-day running of a fast‑paced food manufacturing site. This role will drive performance across production, planning, training, quality, safety, and people management to ensure consistent delivery of service, standards, and output. The Operations Manager will lead multiple production lines, manage large teams, and continuously improve operational efficiency while upholding high food safety and audit compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Management

• Lead the daily operations across multiple production lines within a short shelf‑life environment.
• Manage and develop cross‑functional teams, ensuring strong communication and consistent performance.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, labour allocation, and resource utilisation.
• Ensure all KPIs are delivered across yield, waste, downtime, labour efficiency, service, and OTIF.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, GMP, HACCP, and audit standards.
• Lead and support customer and regulatory audits including preparation, hosting, and corrective action management.
• Maintain documentation and ensure all SOPs are followed consistently.

Training, Culture & People Development

• Work with Training teams to ensure all staff are trained, assessed, and competent.
• Drive a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Lead performance management, absence control, succession planning, and staff development.
• Identify and deliver improvements in output, labour utilisation, flow, and cost control.
• Support initiatives around lean manufacturing, standardisation, and efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Technical, Engineering, NPD, Planning, and HR.
• Act as the senior operational lead supporting the wider leadership team.

Key Skills & Experience

• Strong experience in FMCG food manufacturing.
• Proven leadership of large teams in a high‑volume production environment.
• Experience managing KPIs, planning, training, and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, food safety standards, and audit expectations.
• Strong communication, decision‑making, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and lead through change.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Manufacturing
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing