Operations Manager (FMCG)

Escape; Stirling; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Escape, based just north of the central belt, seeks an experienced Operations Manager to assume overall responsibility for the performance and day-to-day management of a large, multi-shift manufacturing site. You will lead production, engineering, hygiene and processing with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Reporting to the senior operations leadership team, the successful candidate will manage approximately 80 employees and a team of direct reports,

Qualifications

• Extensive management experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience leading a multi-shift, labour-intensive operation.
• Strong commercial awareness with P&L responsibility.
• Proven ability to develop and coach staff.
• Structured, systematic approach with problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage site production activities from raw materials through to finished product, ensuring plans are achieved efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency, product quality and cost reduction.
• Establish and monitor KPIs with robust reporting and performance management.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, quality, hygiene, Health & Safety, GMP and environmental compliance.
• Lead, develop and manage employees, including recruitment, inductions, appraisals, and disciplinary processes where required.
• Oversee production shift management, processing, engineering, hygiene and site activities, ensuring safety and on-time delivery.
• Work with Technical teams on audits including BRC and retailer requirements.
• Support factory trials and new product or process initiatives.
• Analyze monthly production P&L and forecast costs within budget.

Skills

Leadership

P&L management

Continuous improvement

People development

Operational performance

Job description

Based just north of the central belt, an experienced Operations Manager is required to take overall responsibility for the performance and day-to-day management of a large, multi-shift manufacturing site.

Reporting to the senior operations leadership team, the successful candidate will provide strong leadership across production, engineering, hygiene and processing, while creating a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence and accountability.

The role will have responsibility for approximately 80 employees and a team of direct reports, with a strong focus on achieving business plans, managing costs and P&L performance, maintaining high standards of quality and compliance, and delivering safe, efficient production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage site production activities from raw materials through to finished product, ensuring production plans are achieved efficiently, accurately and cost-effectively.
• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing efficiency, product quality and cost reduction.
• Establish and monitor effective KPIs and ensure robust reporting and performance management.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, quality, hygiene, Health & Safety, GMP and environmental compliance.
• Ensure effective production planning, stock control, resource utilisation and workforce scheduling.
• Lead, develop and manage employees, including recruitment, inductions, appraisals, team briefings, return-to-work meetings and disciplinary processes where required.
• Oversee production shift management, processing, engineering, hygiene and associated site activities, ensuring work is completed safely, on time and to the required standard.
• Work closely with Technical teams on customer, regulatory and accreditation audits, including BRC and retailer requirements.
• Support factory trials and new product or process initiatives.
• Analyse monthly production P&L performance, identify opportunities for improvement and ensure costs are managed within budget.
• Support monthly cost forecasting and ensure production invoices are accurate.
• Liaise effectively with internal departments, customers, contractors and other stakeholders as required.
• Ensure appropriate systems, procedures and policies are implemented, maintained and continuously improved.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive management experience, ideally within food, drink or another complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing a labour-intensive, multi-shift operation.
• Strong commercial and P&L experience.
• A proven track record of leading and developing people.
• Strong understanding of operational performance, continuous improvement and cost management.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• A structured, systematic approach combined with strong problem-solving ability.
• The confidence to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail.

What the Role Offers

This is a senior operational leadership opportunity for an individual who can combine commercial awareness with strong people leadership and hands-on operational management.

The successful candidate will have significant influence over site performance, culture, efficiency and future development, working across a broad range of operational functions within a demanding manufacturing environment