My job
Operations Manager – Ruskington Site
Ruskington ¦ Full-time ¦ Operations ¦ Reporting to: Site Director
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to join our Ruskington site, playing a key role as part of the Senior Leadership Team. This role is at the heart of our Operations, leading production teams to deliver excellence in efficiency, quality, food safety, and people development.
As Operations Manager, you'll take ownership of all operational areas on site, ensuring that performance targets are met while driving a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and collaboration. You'll inspire and develop your team of managers, creating a high-performing, agile workforce ready to meet the challenges of a fast-paced FMCG environment.
What you'll do
* Lead the Operational teams to deliver KPIs across output, quality, food safety, efficiency, and cost.
* Drive continuous improvement across all processes, embedding best practices such as 5S and Lean methodologies.
* Champion Health & Safety, ensuring compliance and fostering a culture where "Safety is a Condition."
* Take ownership of quality and food safety, actively participating in audits, HACCP reviews, and customer visits.
* Manage budgets and resources effectively, identifying opportunities to reduce costs and maximise yields.
* Motivate, coach, and develop your managers, ensuring the right people with the right skills are in the right roles.
* Build strong relationships with customers, regulators, and internal stakeholders across HR, Finance, Engineering, Technical, Supply Chain, and Sales.
* Ensure the site is always "audit ready" through strong general manufacturing practices and proactive problem-solving.
What we're looking for
* We're seeking a strong operational leader with experience in FMCG manufacturing. The ideal candidate will bring:
* A proven track record in managing large-scale manufacturing or production operations.
* Excellent leadership, coaching, and people development skills.
* The ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, changing environment.
* Knowledge of efficiency drivers, cost control, and continuous improvement tools (e.g. 5S, Lean).
* Strong commercial awareness, including product costing and budgetary management.
* A collaborative style with the ability to influence and challenge at all levels.
Qualifications
* Degree level or equivalent.
* Food Safety, HACCP, IOSH Managing Safely, TACCP training.
Why join us?
* Play a key leadership role in one of the UK's leading food businesses.
* Be part of a values-driven culture that puts quality, safety, and people at its heart.
* Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.
* Lead and inspire teams to deliver real results and shape the future of our Ruskington site.
Perks & Benefits at Pilgrim's Europe
When you join us, you'll enjoy a competitive package alongside a supportive and ambitious working environment, including:
* Competitive salary
* 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays).
* Company pension scheme with contributions.
* Wellbeing support.
* Access to learning and leadership development programmes.
* Staff discounts on our products.
* A culture that values ownership, determination, and collaboration.
Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Join Pilgrim's Europe at Ruskington and help us deliver operational excellence, inspire our teams, and shape the future of food. Apply now and make your impact.
The company
Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.
Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products.
Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.
What we'll bring to the table
Competitive Salary
Competitive Holiday Entitlement
Pension Contribution
Family Friendly Policies
Learning and Development Opportunities
Life Assurance
People matter
Our values
Determination
Simplicity
Availability
Humility
Discipline
Sincerity
Ownership