Operations Manager

Simply Recruiting Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Operations Manager for a permanent position near Midsomer Norton. This role combines food production, sales, and customer engagement in a dynamic environment. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in catering or food manufacturing, alongside a Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification. Responsibilities include supporting the kitchen team, managing daily operations, and developing new products. This position offers an exciting opportunity to impact a growing food business directly.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in food manufacturing or catering.
• Understanding of HACCP principles.
• Skill in managing food safety and hygiene tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen team during busy periods.
• Manage daily operations and improve workflow.
• Engage with retail customers and support business development.
• Assist in new product development projects.

Skills

Catering background

Food production experience

Sales skills

Customer engagement

IT literate (Word, Excel)

Education

Level 3 Food Hygiene / Food Safety Qualification

Job description

Overview

Simple Recruitment are looking for an Operations Manager for a permanent opportunity with our client near Midsomer Norton.

37.5 hours per week – no weekends and no nights (Full time ideally but negotiable)

Are you a hand on individual passionate about Food manufacturing, Sales and New Product Development? Do you enjoy working for a small family run business where your impact truly matters?

If yes, then Simple Recruitment would love to speak with you!

The Job:

This is a hands-on, unit-based role that brings together food production, sales, customer engagement, and the excitement of developing new products and ranges. Perfect for someone with a catering or food production background, this role offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to be involved at every level of a growing, dynamic food business.

Responsibilities

• Support the kitchen team during busy periods, including cooking, decanting, packing, and dispatch of products
• Collaborate with the Head of Production to manage daily operations, troubleshoot issues, and improve workflow
• Assist with cleaning tasks, including end-of-day and deep cleans, following the direction of the Head of Production
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, allergen management, and HACCP procedures at all times
• Engage with existing and prospective retail customers, supporting order follow-ups and building strong client relationships
• Conduct sales calls and contribute to business development initiatives
• Assist the Head of Production with new product development (NPD) projects
• Manage day-to-day operational administration and liaise effectively with admin and bookkeeping teams
• Ensure accurate record keeping, perform routine checks, and support audits to maintain operational compliance
• Attending Trade Shows

About You

This role would suit an entrepreneurial, commercially minded individual.

• Catering, food production or food manufacturing background
• Level 3 Food Hygiene / Food Safety Qualification
• Working understanding of HACCP principles
• Experience working in volume or batch food production
• Comfortable working hands- on in a commercial kitchen
• Willing to assist with cleaning and hygiene tasks as part of daily operations
• Confident communing with customers and representing a food brand
• Organised, reliable and calm under pressure
• IT literate such as word and Excel
• Some heavy lifting involved – ability to lift up to 20kg

Our brief: Simple Recruitment are acting as an employment agency on behalf of our client, based near Midsomer Norton, who are seeking an Operations Manager to join their team on a permanent basis.

Alternatively, please call Miriam at our Somerset team