Operations Manager (FMCG)

Alexander Steele Recruitment; North East; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruiting agency is seeking an Operations Manager for a major FMCG manufacturing site in North East England. The successful candidate will lead site operations, drive performance, and ensure compliance with quality standards. Applicants should have senior management experience in FMCG and a proven ability to improve operational performance in fast-paced environments. The offer includes a salary of up to £80,000 plus benefits and clear progression opportunities within a global organization.

Benefits

Benefits package

Clear progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Senior management experience in FMCG or high-volume manufacturing.
• Proven record of improving performance in fast-paced environments.
• Strong leadership and ability to inspire teams at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Site Lead ensuring smooth running of the site.
• Lead and inspire large, multi-functional teams across production.
• Embed lean and continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills

Operational leadership

Lean manufacturing

Stakeholder management

Six Sigma

Performance improvement

Job description

• Operations Manager – £80,000 + Benefits
• Location: North East England
• Sector: FMCG / High-Volume Manufacturing

Are you a senior operations leader ready to step into a high-impact role at the heart of a flagship FMCG manufacturing site? Our client, a major player in the sector, is looking for a Operations Manager to act as second-in-command to the Site Lead, driving operational excellence and shaping the future performance of a fast-paced, high-volume facility.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will take day-to-day ownership of site operations, ensuring delivery of ambitious targets across safety, quality, service, and cost. The site is extremely fast-paced and highly dynamic, so the role calls for a quick-thinking leader who can make decisive calls under pressure while maintaining a long-term strategic outlook.

Key responsibilities include:

• Deputising for the Site Lead and ensuring smooth running of the site.
• Leading and inspiring large, multi-functional teams across production and engineering.
• Embedding lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to deliver world-class standards.
• Driving compliance with all HSE, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Developing and executing strategies to optimise efficiency and reduce waste.
• Building talent pipelines, leadership capability, and succession planning across the site.

The Person

We’re looking for a proven operations leader with:

• Senior management experience in FMCG, food, beverage, or other high-volume manufacturing.
• A demonstrable record of improving performance and delivering results in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Strong expertise in lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent CI methodologies.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to inspire teams at all levels.
• The ability to think on your feet, act decisively, and thrive under pressure.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery.

The Offer

• Salary up to £80,000 plus benefits package.
• A senior leadership role with the influence to shape the performance of a major FMCG site.
• Clear progression opportunities within a global organisation for those aspiring to Site Lead level.

Apply today and step into a pivotal leadership role as Operations Manager, driving success at one of the North East’s most fast-paced and significant FMCG manufacturing facilities.