Location: Ayrshire, Scotland (Single-Site Production Unit)
The Opportunity
Join a growing family-owned food production group at a pivotal time of significant investment and expansion. This role is based at one of our large, single-site facility specialising in both fresh and frozen food manufacturing.
We are seeking a highly professional and results-driven Operations Manager to lead our site operations. You will be instrumental in driving business turnaround, implementing process excellence (particularly Lean methodologies), and building a high-performing team to maximise productivity and efficiency as we continue to grow.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence
* Own the daily operations of the single-site food production facility, ensuring the efficient and effective manufacture of both fresh and frozen product lines.
* Drive business turnaround by applying extensive practical experience to implement new processes and streamline existing operations for maximum productivity and efficiency.
* Lean Implementation: Apply Lean manufacturing principles to identify and eliminate waste, reduce variability, and continuously improve processes.
* Cost Control and Reduction: Take direct responsibility for the control and reduction of costs across key operational metrics, including processing yields, labour, waste, giveaway, transport, and storage.
* Process Improvement & Problem Solving: Proactively coordinate and lead various process improvement initiatives, utilising structured problem-solving techniques to achieve demonstrable cost savings and operational gains.
* Customer Service: Maintain a passionate and committed focus on delivering exceptional standards of customer service and quality.
Leadership, People Management & Communication
* People Management: Demonstrate a real passion for managing, motivating, and developing multi-disciplinary teams for maximum productivity and engagement. This includes performance reviews, career development, and fostering a positive, safety-first culture.
* Strong Leadership: Possess strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire, influence, and mentor teams across the facility, thriving in highly pressurised and challenging environments.
* Excellent Communication: Exhibit excellent communication skills—the ability to communicate concisely and articulately at all levels, from the factory floor to senior leadership, is essential.
* Collaboration & Alignment: Foster an effective two-way communication flow throughout the facility, aiding collaborative thinking and strong teamwork across all functions and levels.
* Liaison: Report directly to the General Manager and serve as the critical operational liaison with Production, Logistics, and Planning functions across the site.
Performance Management & Reporting
* KPI Management: Own the process of identifying, setting, and managing daily/weekly departmental KPI targets to ensure consistent measurement and management of business unit performance.
* Performance Analysis: Oversee and restructure daily operational KPI reporting, emphasising in-depth performance analysis. Use this analysis to clearly identify improvement areas and set robust action plans.
* Team Leadership: Chair and facilitate daily “Management Team Meetings” to effectively measure departmental and business KPIs, ensuring accountability and collaborative problem-solving.
Candidate Profile & Experience
* Extensive practical experience in a senior Operations/Site Management role within the manufacturing sector, ideally within food/FMCG, with experience in fresh and/or frozen food being highly desirable.
* Proven track record of business turnaround and successful implementation of complex process improvements using Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies.
* Demonstrable experience in cost control, waste reduction, and yield optimisation.
* Exceptional people management and leadership skills with a focus on team motivation and development.
* Outstanding communication and problem-solving abilities.
* Strong understanding of operational reporting, performance analysis, and KPI management.
* A natural leader with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire and develop cross-functional teams.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
* Food and Beverage Manufacturing
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