Operations Manager

Zest Recruitment; Reading; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing food manufacturer in the UK is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations. This role involves managing production schedules, leading the team, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in food manufacturing, a strong understanding of safety standards, and a proactive approach. Join this dynamic start-up and contribute to shaping its future while enjoying clear opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Clear progression opportunities

Supportive team environment

Modern working conditions

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory, management, or operational role within food manufacturing.
• Understanding of BRCGS and HACCP standards.
• Hands-on and proactive approach in fast-moving environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage production schedules.
• Lead and develop the production team.
• Oversee stock control and dispatch processes.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Champion health and safety practices.
• Facilitate communication between production and logistics.

Skills

Experience within food manufacturing

Strong understanding of food safety and quality systems

Confident people manager

Organised and proactive

Practical mindset

Good IT skills

Ambition to grow

Job description

Operations Manager

Chilled Food Manufacturing | High-Growth Start-Up

We're exclusively partnering with an exciting and fast-growing food manufacturer who, over just a few short years, have built a fantastic reputation and loyal customer base. With strong momentum behind them and ambitious growth plans ahead, they're now looking to welcome an Operations Manager to work closely with the Founders and help take the business to the next stage.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a broad, influential role within a young, entrepreneurial business. You'll be at the heart of the operation - supporting day-to-day manufacturing, building robust processes, and helping shape how the business scales. For the right person, this role offers genuine progression as the company continues to grow.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day manufacturing operation, ensuring everything runs smoothly, safely and efficiently. You'll be hands‑on, highly organised, and comfortable wearing multiple hats in a fast‑paced start‑up environment.

Working side‑by‑side with the Founders, you'll play a key role in translating growth plans into operational reality - building strong teams, maintaining high food safety and quality standards, and continuously improving how things are done.

Key Responsibilities

• Production & Scheduling
  • Plan and manage daily and weekly production schedules
  • Balance efficiency with allergen management and customer delivery deadlines
  • Support scale‑up activities as volumes increase
• People & Team Leadership
  • Lead, motivate and develop the production team
  • Maintain strong performance, productivity and morale
  • Support shift planning and day‑to‑day people management
• Stock, Goods In & Dispatch
  • Oversee ordering, intake and stock control of raw materials
  • Maintain accurate stock records
  • Ensure finished goods are dispatched on time and in full
• Quality, Food Safety & Compliance
  • Maintain controlled documents, procedures and records
  • Manage supplier approvals and raw material specifications
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with BRCGS, HACCP and customer standards
  • Support internal audits, customer visits and BRC audits
• Health & Safety
  • Champion a strong health & safety culture across site
  • Ensure legal and internal H&S standards are met
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Act as the link between production, transport and the office
  • Work closely with commercial and logistics teams
  • Partner directly with the Founders on operational decisions

What We're Looking For

• Experience within food manufacturing, ideally chilled, in a supervisory, management or operational role
• Strong understanding of food safety and quality systems (BRCGS, HACCP)
• A confident people manager with a hands‑on, sleeves‑rolled‑up approach
• Organised, proactive and comfortable in a fast‑moving environment
• Practical mindset, including basic machinery troubleshooting
• Good IT skills and openness to learning new systems
• Ambition to grow with the business and take on more responsibility over time

Why Join?

• Join a genuinely exciting start‑up with big growth plans
• Work directly with passionate Founders and influence key decisions
• Clear progression opportunities as the business scales
• A close‑knit, supportive team where your contribution truly matters
• Modern factory environment with a friendly, positive culture

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact, grow alongside a business, and help shape the future of a rising food brand, this could be a fantastic next step.