Operations Manager, Supply Chain

Pod Talent; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing consumer goods business is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and implement processes supporting sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will have a proven record in operations management, strong organizational skills, and experience in a fast-paced, small business environment. The role offers flexibility with full-time or part-time options.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in operations management.
• Experience leading teams in a hands-on environment.
• Confident in supply chain systems and logistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day workshop operations.
• Oversee and develop the operations team.
• Manage inventory, material intake, and supplier requirements.
• Ensure timelines and quality standards are met.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements.

Skills

Operations management

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Supply chain systems

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Location: Ashley, Cheshire (onsite 2–3 days p/w)

Salary: £40,000 annually (full-time or part-time arrangements can be discussed) + potential bonus

Pod Talent are excited to be partnering with a purpose-led, growing consumer goods business, in the search for an Operations Manager. This pivotal role will oversee day-to-day operations and implement structure, process, and systems that support sustainable growth while maintaining the brand’s premium quality and creativity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day workshop operations, including production planning, supplier/maker coordination, and logistics.
• Oversee and develop the operations team, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and solutions-focused culture.
• Manage inventory, material intake, forecasting, and supplier requirements.
• Liaise with production partners to ensure timelines, quality standards, and costs are consistently met.
• Establish and embed scalable quality control processes with a “right first time” approach.
• Manage logistics and order fulfilment, ensuring accurate, on-time delivery.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements across operations.
• Own and evolve operational systems and tools to improve workflows and scalability.
• Oversee H&S and compliance in collaboration with production partners.
• Support budgeting, reporting, and KPI tracking.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Commercial and Creative teams to align operations with business growth.

Key Experience and Skills

• Proven track record in operations management, ideally within manufacturing, or consumer product businesses.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with a meticulous eye for detail.
• Experience leading teams in a hands-on environment, lifting morale and guiding juniors.
• Confident in supply chain systems, logistics, and inventory management tools.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving, small business setting.
• Pragmatic, solutions-focused, and commercially aware with excellent communication skills.
• Passion for craftsmanship, design, and sustainable, ethical business practices.
• Familiarity with Lean Sigma methodology and HACCP desirable.

Why this is exciting?

• Join a purpose-led, British brandat an exciting stage of growth.
• Shape and evolve how the operational side of the business runs day-to-day.
• Be a bridge between the Cheshire factory team and the London HQ – making a real impact on both culture and process.
• Variety in your work: balancing production planning, supplier relationships, QC, logistics, and team leadership.
• Flexible set-up (full-time or part-time) with scope to grow as the business scales.
• Opportunity to combine operational excellence with creativity and craftsmanship in a values-driven business.

If you have suitable experience, please apply here or reach out directly to [e-mail].