Operations Manager - Food Manufacturing - Central Belt

Empower Talent; Livingston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in the United Kingdom is seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to drive operational standards and improve performance within a high-care manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, collaborating cross-functionally to deliver excellence and support business growth. Requires significant experience managing large-scale operations and a strong knowledge of food safety. This role is an opportunity to make a lasting impact in an ambitious company.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing large-scale operations within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, compliance, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Track record of delivering results through people development and process improvement.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams at all levels.
• Balance of strategic insight and hands-on operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead site operations to deliver consistency, quality, and performance in line with business targets.
• Champion food safety and compliance, ensuring regulatory standards are embedded across all processes.
• Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring full readiness and effective management of non-conformances.
• Drive a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.
• Manage people and resourcing plans to optimise headcount, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Be a visible, hands-on leader—coaching and inspiring teams on the production floor.
• Implement and maintain robust processes that enhance efficiency, compliance, and operational performance.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Communication

Process improvement

Job description

Overview

Empower Talent is delighted to be partnering with a leading food manufacturer in the search for an exceptional Operations Manager based in the central belt. This is a pivotal senior leadership role, responsible for driving operational standards, performance, and culture in a fast-paced, high-care manufacturing environment.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll collaborate cross-functionally to deliver operational excellence, support commercial and NPD ambitions, and help shape the wider business strategy and culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead site operations to deliver consistency, quality, and performance in line with business and AOP targets.
• Champion food safety and compliance, ensuring regulatory standards (e.g. HACCP) are embedded across all processes.
• Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring full readiness and effective management of any non-conformances.
• Drive a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.
• Manage people and resourcing plans to optimise headcount, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Be a visible, hands-on leader—coaching, developing, and inspiring teams on the production floor.
• Implement and maintain robust processes that enhance efficiency, compliance, and operational performance.
• Partner with Commercial and NPD teams to align manufacturing capability with business growth and customer expectations.

About You

We\'re seeking a confident and influential operations professional with a passion for leadership and performance excellence. You\'ll bring:

• Proven experience managing large-scale operations within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, compliance, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• A track record of delivering results through people development and process improvement.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams at all levels.
• A balance of strategic insight and hands-on operational delivery.

Why Apply?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact within a respected and ambitious food manufacturing business. You\'ll join a forward-thinking leadership team committed to driving innovation, quality, and sustainable growth.

Interested?

Apply today or contact Empower Talent for a confidential discussion about this opportunity