Operations Manager

Description:

Our client, a rapidly growing organisation within the FMCG food manufacturing and distribution sector, is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Operations Manager to lead a large-scale production operation based in North West London. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly organised operational leader to take ownership of a fast-paced, multi-shift food production facility supplying retail, wholesale, and B2B customers.

Offering a salary of circa £60,000 per annum, this role is ideal for an experienced operations professional with a strong background in central production units, food manufacturing, or large-scale production kitchens.

Job Role

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Central Kitchen Operations Manager will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of a high-volume production facility, overseeing production, dispatch, compliance, team leadership, and continuous improvement activities.

Managing a large multi-shift team, you will ensure products are produced safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards while maintaining operational performance, food safety compliance, and financial targets.

Responsibilities

* Lead and develop Production Managers, Supervisors, Dispatch teams, and Production Operatives across day and night shifts.

* Oversee all production planning, staffing allocation, and operational workflow activities.

* Ensure products are manufactured to specification, maintaining quality, portion control, packaging, and allergen compliance standards.

* Manage daily dispatch operations, ensuring orders are fulfilled accurately and delivered on time.

* Maintain compliance with SALSA/BRC, HACCP, traceability, and food safety standards at all times.

* Oversee all production records, temperature monitoring, batch traceability, and audit documentation.

* Ensure equipment maintenance, cleaning schedules, and operational standards are consistently maintained.

* Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and operational performance.

* Take ownership of the operational P&L, managing labour, waste, purchasing, and overhead costs.

* Produce and analyse operational and financial reports to support business performance.

* Manage supplier relationships and challenge performance where necessary.

* Lead operational improvement and infrastructure projects, including automation and process optimisation initiatives.

* Work closely with Supply Chain, Finance, Retail Operations, and Product Development teams to support business growth and operational scalability.

Personal Profile

* Significant experience within a Central Kitchen, CPU, food manufacturing, or large-scale food production environment.

* Previous experience operating at Operations Manager level or similar senior leadership role.

* Strong working knowledge of SALSA/BRC, HACCP, food safety, and traceability systems.

* Proven experience managing large teams across multiple shifts, including night operations.

* Strong financial and commercial awareness with experience managing operational budgets and KPIs.

* Excellent organisational and leadership skills with the ability to drive high performance.

* Experience implementing SOPs, operational workflows, and continuous improvement initiatives.

* Calm and solutions-focused approach within fast-paced operational environments.

* Passionate about operational excellence, quality, and team development.

Benefits include:

* Discretionary performance based bonus

* Bupa healthcare

* Free food and drink on shift

Ref Code: CV13283

To apply, please send your comprehensive CV in strict confidence, quoting the reference above and for the attention of Jon Hemming-Nash. Please include current salary details within your application.

Due to high response levels, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within one week, regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion