Operations Manager

Müller; Skelmersdale; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Skelmersdale is seeking an Operations Manager to lead its site operations through transformation and growth. The role demands proven leadership, change execution, and a focus on high-performance culture. Key responsibilities include driving operational KPIs and ensuring compliance with standards. The position offers a significant platform for progress within the organization.

Benefits

Up to 15% annual bonus

Company car / car allowance

Career development opportunities

Onsite parking

Cycle to work scheme

Health care cover

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in FMCG manufacturing or a similarly demanding environment.
• Experience leading change and delivering results through teams.
• A technical or operational background with knowledge of CI tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the site operations strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Drive operational KPIs including OEE, cost, quality, and service.
• Champion continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause methodologies.

Skills

Leadership presence

Change management

Operational excellence

Team development

Continuous improvement methodologies

Job description

Müller UK & Ireland is wholly owned by Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller which employs over 31,000 people throughout Europe. In the UK, Müller develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of branded and private label dairy products made with milk from 1,300 farmers in Britain. Müller is ranked within the top 20 in The Grocer’s Top 100 list of Britain’s Biggest Brands and is picked from shelves millions of times each year. Müller UK & Ireland includes :

Müller Milk & Ingredients which aims to be Britain’s private label dairy leader and produces branded and private label fresh milk, cream, butter and ingredients products. It boasts a network of dairies and depots servicing customers throughout the country.

Müller Yogurt & Desserts which is the UK’s leading yogurt manufacturer which aims to create millions more Müller moments for its consumers. It is responsible for major brands like Müller Corner, Müllerlight, Müller Bliss, Müller Rice, FRijj and Müller Kefir Smoothie and produces chilled desserts under licence from Mondelez International. It also supplies the UK private label yogurt market from a dedicated, state of the art yogurt facility.

Operations Manager – Skelmersdale

Location

Skelmersdale

Hours

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week

Contract Type

Full-time, Permanent

We’re looking for a high-impact Operations Manager to lead our Skelmersdale site through a period of transformation and growth. This is a pivotal role with visibility across the business, offering the opportunity to build a strong profile within Müller and progress into senior leadership – for someone who is already operating at a senior level and ready to deliver from day one.

This is not a step-up role. We’re seeking someone with proven leadership presence, pace, and credibility – someone who has executed change through others and thrives in a high-performance culture.

This role is under significant visibility within Müller and offers a genuine platform for progression. To succeed, you must :

• Already operate at a senior level, with a track record of leading complex operations.
• Demonstrate leadership presence—someone who commands respect, builds trust, and influences across all levels.
• Operate at pace, making decisions quickly and effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Execute change through others, not just manage it—embedding accountability, coaching teams, and driving engagement.
• Deliver measurable improvements, not just maintain performance—this site needs transformation, not status quo.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the site operations strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Drive operational KPIs including OEE, cost, quality, and service.
• Inspire and develop high-performing teams through coaching and structured performance management.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, and regulatory standards.
• Champion continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause methodologies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver site-wide transformation and contribute to group-level initiatives.

You’ll bring

• Proven leadership experience in FMCG manufacturing or a similarly demanding environment.
• A strong presence and ability to influence and challenge constructively.
• Experience leading change and delivering results through teams.
• A technical or operational background with knowledge of CI tools (Lean, Six Sigma).
• A mindset focused on pace, accountability, and progression.

Why Join Us?

Skelmersdale is a site in the spotlight. This role offers the chance to make a real impact, gain exposure across the business, and shape the future of operations at Müller. For the right person, it’s a launchpad for further progression.

We offer

• Up to 15% annual bonus
• Company car / car allowance of £550 per month
• Career development opportunities
• Onsite parking
• Access to muller rewards to save money across retailers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Pension plan – matching up to 8%
• Health care cover for yourself and a partner
• 4 x life assurance
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Grocery aid support
• Plus more!

Contact Details

F.A.O. UK Recruitment
Müller UK & Ireland,
Shrewsbury Road, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 3SQ