Location: Marldon, Devon
Salary: £45,000 to £55,000 depending on experience, plus benefits and potential accommodation package
Job Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility needed during seasonal periods
About Us
We are a family-owned business specialising in the production of HorseHage and Mollichaff, trusted, high-quality forage and chaff products for the equestrian market. With over 50 years of expertise and a strong reputation, we pride ourselves on delivering consistent quality, reliability, and excellent customer service to horse owners and stockists across the UK and beyond.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to manage the day-to-day operations of our production site. This is a pivotal role in ensuring the business runs smoothly and efficiently while upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and service.
You will take responsibility for production, logistics, supply chain management, order fulfilment, staffing, and compliance, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement. This role reports directly to the owners.
Key Responsibilities
* Production Management: Plan, manage, and optimise production schedules to meet demand, ensuring consistency and quality across all products.
* Logistics & Supply Chain: Manage raw material supply and stock control at the production site, while coordinating finished product stock levels across multiple storage locations.
* Order Fulfilment: Plan and manage deliveries from multiple stock locations, ensuring accurate orders, efficient loading, and cost-effective, on-time deliveries.
* Staff Management: Lead, motivate, and organise production staff, fostering a safe, productive, and positive workplace culture.
* Maintenance Oversight: Coordinate planned maintenance of machinery and equipment to minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
* Process Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance sustainability, and drive innovation.
* Compliance: Manage and maintain systems to ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and feed assurance standards (UFAS, FEMAS, NOPS), as well as Trading Standards and HR requirements.
* Reporting & Planning: Provide regular operational reports and input into business planning, working collaboratively with the wider team.
Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in an operations or production management role, ideally within manufacturing, agriculture, or food production.
* Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
* Hands-on leadership style with excellent people-management skills and the ability to initiate and drive change.
* Knowledge of compliance requirements, including health and safety, Trading Standards, HR, and feed assurance schemes such as UFAS, FEMAS, and NOPS (training can be provided).
* Familiar with ERP/MRP systems and comfortable using IT for scheduling and reporting.
* Practical mechanical and farming knowledge would be advantageous.
* Positive, proactive attitude with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced, family-run environment.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary in line with experience.
* Discretionary bonus linked to overall business performance.
* Company pension scheme.
* 30 days annual leave, including bank holidays.
* Potential option of a tied cottage as part of the package.
* Free on-site parking.
* Stable, long-term employment with a respected family business.
* Varied and hands-on responsibilities with real scope to make an impact.
* Supportive working environment where initiative and ideas are valued.
* A role where your contribution will directly shape the success of the business.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Bereavement leave
* Casual dress
* Company pension
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Work Location: In person