Operations Manager

Operations Manager
Chilled Food Manufacturing High-Growth Start-Up

We're exclusively partnering with an exciting and fast-growing food manufacturer who, over just a few short years, have built a fantastic reputation and loyal customer base. With strong momentum behind them and ambitious growth plans ahead, they're now looking to welcome an Operations Manager to work closely with the Founders and help take the business to the next stage.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a broad, influential role within a young, entrepreneurial business. You'll be at the heart of the operation - supporting day-to-day manufacturing, building robust processes, and helping shape how the business scales. For the right person, this role offers genuine progression as the company continues to grow.

The Role
As Operations Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day manufacturing operation, ensuring everything runs smoothly, safely and efficiently. You'll be hands-on, highly organised, and comfortable wearing multiple hats in a fast-paced start-up environment.
Working side-by-side with the Founders, you'll play a key role in translating growth plans into operational reality - building strong teams, maintaining high food safety and quality standards, and continuously improving how things are done.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Scheduling
Plan and manage daily and weekly production schedules
Balance efficiency with allergen management and customer delivery deadlines
Support scale-up activities as volumes increase

People & Team Leadership
Lead, motivate and develop the production team
Maintain strong performance, productivity and morale
Support shift planning and day-to-day people management

Stock, Goods In & Dispatch
Oversee ordering, intake and stock control of raw materials
Maintain accurate stock records
Ensure finished goods are dispatched on time and in full

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance
Maintain controlled documents, procedures and records
Manage supplier approvals and raw material specifications
Ensure ongoing compliance with BRCGS, HACCP and customer standards
Support internal audits, customer visits and BRC audits

Health & Safety
Champion a strong health & safety culture across site
Ensure legal and internal H&S standards are met

Communication & Collaboration
Act as the link between production, transport and the office
Work closely with commercial and logistics teams
Partner directly with the Founders on operational decisions

What We're Looking For

Experience with in food manufacturing, ideally chilled, in a supervisory, management or operational role
Strong understanding of food safety and quality systems (BRCGS, HACCP)
A confident people manager with a hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up approach
Organised, proactive and comfortable in a fast-moving environment
Practical mindset, including basic machinery troubleshooting
Good IT skills and openness to learning new systems
Ambition to grow with the business and take on more responsibility over time

Why Join?
Join a genuinely exciting start-up with big growth plans
Work directly with passionate Founders and influence key decisions
Clear progression opportunities as the business scales
A close-knit, supportive team where your contribution truly matters
Modern factory environment with a friendly, positive culture

If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact, grow alongside a business, and help shape the future of a rising food brand, this could be a fantastic next step.

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