Operations Manager

A key position offered at First Quality Foods, the Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth running of the operations department – specifically with regards to Production Planning, Demand Forecasting, Capacity Planning, Logistics and Cross-Department Coordination.

Working closely with the Factory Manager, Commercial team and Supply Chain subordinates, the role plays a key part in balancing customer requirements with factory capability - ensuring materials, labour and production capacity are aligned to deliver a high quality product on time in full while maintaining operational efficiency.

• Lead the production planning function. Producing daily, weekly and longer-term manufacturing plans.
• Develop achievable production schedules that maximise factory efficiency while meeting customer demand.
• Ensure production plans reflect available labour, materials, machine capacity and customer priorities.
• Monitor plan adherence and work with production teams to resolve issues and minimise disruption.

• Work closely with the Commercial team and with Private Label customers to understand customer forecasts, promotions and changing demand.
• Translate sales forecasts and Private Label demand into effective production plans.
• Review forecast accuracy and recommend improvements to planning processes.
• Communicate capacity constraints and planning risks to key stakeholders.

• Work closely with the Factory Manager to ensure the smooth operation of the factory.
• Ensure production plans are practical and deliverable.
• Balance production efficiency & utilisation with employee welfare and customer service requirements.
• Support improvements in production flow, line utilisation and changeover efficiency.
• Support factory manager with the management of available equipment, it’s maintenance and effectiveness for efficient production.
• Respond quickly to changes in demand or operational issues by adjusting production plans where required.

• Oversee the supply chain function. Collaborate with Procurement, Technical and Supply Chain subordinates to ensure effective supplier management, material compliance, and cost optimisation.
• Monitor stock levels to maintain product availability while minimising excess inventory.
• Identify potential supply risks and develop contingency plans.

• Support and initiate new, and review existing processes to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and cost savings.
• Develop KPIs where necessary and ensure existing reports are updated and utilised.
• Drive improvements in planning systems and ways of working.
• Promote effective communication across Commercial, Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams.

• Customer service performance (OTIF)
• Production plan adherence
• Forecast accuracy
  
  Factory utilisation
• Stock availability
• Inventory levels
• Waste reduction
• Cost management

• Experience in production planning within a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and production scheduling.
• Experience working with commercial forecasting and customer demand planning.
• Ability to work collaboratively across Commercial, Supply Chain and Manufacturing.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience managing or developing an operations team.
• Knowledge within bakery or other food manufacturing.
• Continuous improvement or Lean manufacturing experience.

• Highly organised.
• Strong leadership.
• Collaborative and adaptable.
• Practical and solutions-focused.
• Confident decision maker.
• Cost-conscious.
• Committed to excellent customer service.