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. Key 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