Operations Manager UK

Overview

AB Agri is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee our Melmerby site. This senior role offers full accountability for production, quality, safety, and service, with the opportunity to drive meaningful change and continuous improvement across the business.

What you\’ll do

• Lead and develop the operations team, including production, customer service, and planning functions.
• Deliver production budgets while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and service.
• Initiate and promote ongoing improvement initiatives throughout operations, performance indicators, and planning.
• Implement cultural and managerial change at a traditional manufacturing site.
• Collaborate across functions to align operations with strategic business goals.
• Enhancing engagement, ownership, and productivity within the team.

This is a career-defining opportunity for an operations professional to take a step forward in leadership, advancing operational efficiencies at a traditional manufacturing site.

What sets us apart is how we delight our customers – and that\’s because of great people like you. People with different life experiences who share common values. Together, we\’re shaping a world where responsible nutrition is accessible to all. With a big goal comes equally big opportunities to make a career that truly feels like your own. As a team we\’re collaborative, purpose-driven and encourage trying new ideas. We also find ways to nourish your individual journey, so everyone can feel proud of the difference that they make in their own way.

We\’re thrilled to share that AB Agri has been recognised as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2025. This is a proud moment for us all. It highlights the real progress we\’ve made to build a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and fair for everyone. Over the last 5 years we have rebuilt our talent management practices, from inclusive hiring, to transparent pay frameworks, flexible work, and the momentum of our Employee Network Groups. Our actions are embedding inclusion at the heart of how we operate and creating a culture where people can be themselves

As a Disability Confident employer, we\’re committed to ensuring our application and recruitment processes work for everyone so if you need any additional support (like alternative formats for your application, bringing a support dog to the offices, a sign language interpreter – or anything else) just let us know.

When you join us, you\’ll do meaningful work and be rewarded fairly for it. From annual salary reviews and incentive bonus, ongoing career development and enhanced family, financial and wellbeing benefits – these are just some of the ways we reward you – from day one.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years\’ experience in manufacturing or production operations, with team leadership.
• Feed Mill background – (Desirable)
• Proficient in finding solutions to complex issues.
• Experience with production planning, supply chain, and customer service operations.
• Data-oriented, comfortable using digital tools and ERP systems to improve performance.
• Capable of clear communication and positive interpersonal interactions, skilled at uniting and motivating teams.

About AB

We are AB Neo a specialist business bringing together the expertise of four successful companies with the aim of revolutionising nutrition for all neonates. Bring your talents to AB Neo and play your part in producing affordable, high quality and responsible food for the growing global population.

We\’re part of AB Agri, the agricultural division of Associated British Foods (ABF plc) and we\’re passionate about feeding the world responsibly and affordably by making quality animal feed, creating nutrition and technology-based products, and offering data services for the agri-food industry.