Operations Manager

Samworth Brothers; Stretford; Remote; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Health and well-being discounts

Employee discount scheme

Annual pay reviews

Profit related pay

Extended leave

Free on-site parking

Onsite gym

Holiday purchase scheme

Training and growth opportunities

Job summary

Samworth Brothers, based in Manchester, is seeking a senior Operations Leader to drive safety, quality and cost performance across our site. You’ll lead three Shift Managers plus a Hygiene Manager, shape the strategic direction, and champion continuous improvement while engaging teams to deliver exceptional results.

We value collaboration, bakery experience, and a track record of sustainable performance gains.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading large manufacturing teams.
• Experience within food manufacturing; bakery experience desirable.
• Proven track record of delivering operational improvements and sustainable gains.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a positive Health, Safety and Environmental culture across the site.
• Drive operational performance against KPIs related to people, quality, service and cost.
• Build high-performing teams through coaching and development.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Partner with Technical, Engineering, Supply Chain, H&S, Commercial and NPD teams to hit site objectives.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement to enhance performance and profitability.
• Support and lead capital investment projects to improve capability and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

People development

Operational improvements

Coaching

Education

HACCP Level 3

Food Safety Level 3

IOSH Managing Safely

Job description

About The Role

Reporting to the Operations Director, you'll lead a team including three Shift Managers and a Hygiene Manager, providing strategic direction and inspirational leadership across our operational teams. You'll be responsible for delivering outstanding results across safety, quality, people engagement, productivity, and cost performance while helping to shape the future direction of the site.

Working as a key member of the Operations Management Team, you'll influence business planning, support capital investment projects, champion continuous improvement, and ensure our teams remain engaged, capable, and focused on delivering exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading and developing a positive Health, Safety and Environmental culture across the site.
• Driving operational performance against key business KPIs relating to people, quality, service, and cost.
• Building high-performing teams through coaching, development, and effective leadership.
• Ensuring compliance with all food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Partnering with Technical, Engineering, Supply Chain, Health & Safety, Commercial and NPD teams to deliver site objectives.
• Identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities to enhance performance and profitability.
• Supporting and leading capital investment projects that improve operational capability and efficiency.

About You

We believe success comes from collaboration and diverse perspectives. At Samworth Brothers, we value team players who are driven to achieve great results together. you'll bring the following skills and experience:

• Significant experience leading large manufacturing teams.
• Experience within food manufacturing, with bakery experience highly desirable.
• A proven track record of delivering operational improvements and sustainable performance gains.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people development skills.
• HACCP Level 3.
• Food Safety Level 3.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification.

What We Offer

We're building a workplace where different ways of thinking are not just welcomed but supported, with clear communication, flexible processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement so everyone can thrive.

• Company pension scheme
• Access to health and well-being support, such as healthcare, optical and dental discounts
• Employee discount scheme
• Experience annual pay reviews
• Profit related pay
• Opportunity for extended leave
• Free on-site parking
• Onsite gym
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Unlock your potential through training and growth opportunities

About Us

Based in Manchester, Soreen is a cherished part of the Samworth Brothers family. With over 85 years of baking heritage, we're the proud makers of the UK’s favourite fruit and malt loaves - enjoyed by more than 1.1 million consumers every week. Soreen blends the success of a leading bakery with the warmth of an iconic brand, fuelled by passion, innovation, and a commitment to quality. Behind every slice is a team of outstanding, dedicated professionals who bring our products to life. At Soreen, we're more than just a bakery - we're a family. Our collaborative culture and strong team spirit help us support one another and achieve great things together. As part of a well-established group, we offer stability, opportunity, and a place where you can truly thrive.

Ready to make a difference? Join us and be part of something special!

We're an Equal Opportunities employer and proud to make diversity and inclusion a core part of everything we do. We actively welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals and are committed to a recruitment process that’s fair, respectful, and free from bias. If you need any adaptations to the application or interview process, please do let us know.

Samworth Brothers do not engage with unlicensed gangmasters or third parties. Samworth Brothers will NEVER ask you for money in order to provide you with employment. If you are in any doubt, please contact an official Samworth Brothers representative.