Operations Manager

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Retford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Comprehensive training provided

Full-time hours, Monday to Friday

Job summary

Reed Specialist Recruitment is seeking an Operations Manager for our client’s production facility in Retford. You will oversee end-to-end operations, drive efficiency, procurement, and ensure food safety compliance.

The role requires leading audits, implementing Lean/CI, and managing shift schedules to optimise costs and throughput.

Qualifications

• Experience in factory production management and procurement within a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading BRCGS audits.
• Knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP principles, and supplier standards.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or 5S frameworks.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across all production shifts to meet targets.
• Lead Lean, 5S, or CI initiatives to reduce bottlenecks and downtime.
• Design shift schedules to optimise labour and material intake.
• Establish contracts with vendors and manage supplier performance.
• Audit and maintain BRCGS compliance and traceability.
• Enforce health, safety, and hygiene policies.

Skills

Factory production management

Procurement & vendor management

Leadership & team motivation

BRCGS audits

Lean / Continuous Improvement

Job description

Operations Manager

Location: Retford, Nottinghamshire

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive

Join our team as an Operations Manager and play a pivotal role in the end-to-end management of our production facility. This position is integral to optimising factory workflows, enhancing material sourcing, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. You will work closely with the Factory General Manager to achieve operational excellence.

Day-to-Day of the Role:

Operational Management & Factory Efficiency

• Production Oversight: Manage daily operations across all production shifts to ensure manufacturing targets are met.
• Efficiency Measures: Monitor and analyse operational performance metrics to maximise throughput and batch yield rates.
• Process Improvement: Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or Continuous Improvement methodologies to reduce production bottlenecks and downtime.
• Resource Optimization: Design shift schedules to control labour costs and align with raw material intake.

Procurement & Supply Chain

• Sourcing & Negotiation: Establish commercial contracts with vendors for raw ingredients and packaging.
• Cost Control: Manage vendor relationships to optimise material costs and control stock expenses.
• Supplier Performance: Audit supplier performance to ensure quality and timely delivery of materials.
• Inventory Control: Collaborate with warehouse teams to manage stock levels and minimise waste.Compliance, Quality, and Safety

Compliance, Quality, and Safety

• Audit Leadership: Lead annual BRCGS audits ensuring compliance and quality standards.
• Compliance Maintenance: Maintain the facility's BRCGS compliance rating.
• Traceability Protocols: Ensure traceability of all ingredients and finished goods.
• Corrective Action: Conduct root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions for operational or safety issues.
• Health & Safety: Enforce health, safety, and hygiene policies across production teams.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience: Proven management experience in factory production and procurement within a food manufacturing environment. Experience in leading BRCGS audits.
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP principles, and supplier standards. Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or 5S frameworks.
• Leadership Competencies: Strong negotiation, contract management, and communication skills. Ability to lead, train, and motivate teams. Analytical and detail-oriented under pressure.

Benefits:

• Company pension scheme.
• Full-time working hours, Monday to Friday.
• Comprehensive training provided