Operations Manager

Puratos; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Cycle to work

LinkedIn Learning courses

Training days

Employee benefits platform

Job summary

Puratos in Sittingbourne, UK, is seeking an Operations Manager to lead a team of 45 across six production lines manufacturing fruit fillings and purees. You will drive efficiency through continuous improvement while ensuring health and safety compliance with food safety standards.

You will own production schedules, promote a strong food safety culture, and lead root-cause investigations while collaborating with Engineering and Logistics to optimise performance. Core hours are Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00.

Qualifications

• Strong focus on delivery and production leadership in a food manufacturing environment.
• Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene and quality management systems.
• Experience driving performance improvements through Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing KPIs, budgets and operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead production activities across six manufacturing lines and own their performance and technical standards.
• Ensure production schedules are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
• Drive a strong food safety and quality culture in line with standards.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Develop, coach and motivate production teams to deliver high levels of performance and engagement.
• Monitor and improve KPIs including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Waste, OEE and Labour Efficiency.
• Work with Engineering, Technical, Warehousing and Logistics to optimise operations.
• Plan resources effectively to meet business demands within budget.
• Lead root cause investigations for production, quality and safety issues.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Leadership

Food Safety

SAP

KPI Management

Team Coaching

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Tools

SAP

Job description

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.

We are more than 11,000 employees in 87 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3.4 billion euros. Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future. This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

To strengthen our team in Puratos Fourayes, the UK’s number one processor and grower of fruit, we are looking for a:

Operations Manager

Your Mission

Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing, the successful candidate will lead, inspire and grow a team of 45 permanent employees across six lines producing high quality fruit fillings and purees. The Operations Manager is responsible for driving efficiency through continuous improvement whilst ensuring the health and safety of all production workers and complying with food safety standards.

What you will do

• Lead all production activities across six manufacturing lines and own their performance and technical standards.
• Ensure production schedules are delivered safely, efficiently and on time.
• Drive a strong food safety and quality culture in line with BRCGS, HACCP and company standards.
• Accountable for demonstrating tangible continuous improvementsdaily.
• Develop, coach and motivate production teams to deliver high levels of performance and engagement through structured, leader standard work responsibilities.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Waste, OEE and Labour Efficiency.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Work closely with Engineering, Technical, Warehousing and Logistics teams to optimise collaborative operational performance.
• Ensure effective resource planning and deployment to meet business demands whilst adhering to budget.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions for production, quality and safety issues.
• Champion best manufacturing practices, standard operating procedures and operational discipline.
• Support investment projects, new product introductions and process improvements.
• Drive a positive culture aligned with Puratos values and leadership principles.

What we expect from you

The ideal candidate would be:

• Goal driven, a self-starter, with an infectious positivework ethic.
• Calm under pressure, but assertive and energetic in execution.

And would have:

• Strong focus on delivery, both individually and collectively.
• Proven experience in a Production leadership role in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and quality management systems.
• Experience leading large operational teams in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated success in driving performance improvements through Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and team development capabilities.
• Experience of managing KPIs, budgets and operational performance.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on facts and data evidence in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of TPM, Lean, Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Food Safety, HACCP or IOSH qualifications.
• Experience of SAP software would be beneficial, though not essential.

What you can expect from Puratos

• £55-£60k per annum dependent on suitability, training and experience.
• Core hours of Monday - Friday 08:30 - 17:00.
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• Access to 1000s of courses on LinkedIn learning.
• Comprehensive training and support, with 5 training days planned for every worker in 2026.
• Employee benefits platform.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• A positive and inclusive work environment.

We are a warm family company with a historical growth track record and a clear long-term vision for the future. We promote a caring, trustful and respectful work environment by putting people first.

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace that fully embraces diversity and equal

opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

This is Puratos

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.We are more than 10.000 employees in over 80 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.