Job Title : Operations Manager

Location: Hampshire, United Kingdom

Reports to: Chief Commercial and Operating Officer

Full-Time | Permanent

Are you a strategic, hands-on leader with proven leadership experience in the Food & Beverage manufacturing sector?

My client is a fast-growing, BRCGS accredited contract manufacturer. As we enter a significant growth phase, we are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take full ownership of daily site performance, compliance integrity, and manufacturing execution.

Responsible for production across a wide range of clients and pack formats and for operational compliance, this leadership role reports to the Chief Commercial and Operating Officer (CCOO), who retains responsibility for commercial strategy, operating model design, and long-term growth planning.

Job Role:

You will be accountable for running our regulated manufacturing operation to the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance. You will lead multi-functional operational teams and ensure that production targets are delivered efficiently, consistently and compliantly.

This is a leadership position in a dynamic, client-focused environment where you'll oversee multiple production areas, drive continuous improvement, and play a pivotal role in delivering on-time, on-spec orders that protect and enhance our clients' brands and our reputation as a first-choice contract production partner.

K

ey Responsibilities

• Full accountability for daily production performance and OTIF delivery
• Ensure BRCGS compliance and maintain audit readiness year round
• Drive robust HACCP and food safety culture
• Ensure accurate operational reporting including OEE, labour, yield and compliance metrics
• Line manage and performance-lead key department heads, including Production Supervisors, Blending Manager, Canning Hall Manager ensuring high standards across all areas.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and scheduling (including agency labour) to build and maintain a skilled, high-performing workforce
• Work closely with Engineering to schedule maintenance and minimise downtime
• Deliver labour efficiency and cost control targets
• Enforce disciplined ERP/MRP system usage and daily / weekly / monthly reporting
• Develop site capacity and operational scalability

Experience Required

• Operations leadership experience in FMCG, beverage or regulated manufacturing
• Proven track record leading BRCGS or equivalent audits
• Strong operational reporting and data-driven performance management
• Experience managing engineering and maintenance functions
• Demonstrable ability to lead multi-layer operational teams
• Commercial awareness and understanding of manufacturing cost drivers
• Experience implementing or operating ERP/MRP systems

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to lead a growing manufacturing platform with significant responsibility and autonomy. You will play a central role in ensuring that the companies operational foundation supports its next phase of growth

If you're ready to lead production at the heart of a dynamic business, we’d love to hear from you!