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- Tasks: Oversee food manufacturing and warehouse operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
- Company: Leading UK supplier of dried ingredients with a strong reputation for quality.
- Benefits: Free parking, 24 days leave, health programme, and a welcoming team.
- Why this job: Join a growing business and make a real impact in food production.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing, leadership skills, and knowledge of food safety regulations.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 63000 £ per year.
Location: Halstead, Essex
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Hours: Ideally candidates willing to start from 7:00am, as production currently runs on a 6:00am - 2:00pm shift.
Job Summary: Our client is one of the UK's leading suppliers of dried ingredients, including edible nuts, dried fruit and seeds, with a strong reputation for quality and reliability. As the business continues to grow, they are investing in their people, systems and processes to support long-term success. The Production Operations Manager will oversee all food manufacturing and warehouse operations, ensuring efficient production, accurate inventory control, and compliance with food safety standards. This role is key to driving operational excellence, managing staff, and ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and manage daily food production schedules to meet customer demand.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, BRC and other food safety regulations.
- Oversee raw material and finished goods storage, ensuring stock rotation, traceability, and use of earliest best-before dates.
- Monitor production KPIs, including efficiency, waste and yield, and implement improvements.
- Coordinate dispatch, logistics and inter-warehouse stock transfers to ensure timely deliveries.
- Lead and train production and warehouse teams on hygiene and safety standards.
Key Accountabilities:
- Maintain compliance with food safety audits and regulatory requirements.
- Achieve production targets while minimising waste and downtime.
- Ensure accurate inventory management and stock rotation.
- Deliver on-time order fulfilment and customer satisfaction.
- Control departmental budgets and optimise operational costs.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Proven experience in food manufacturing and warehouse management.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRC and food safety legislation.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits:
- Free on-site parking.
- Welcoming and experienced team.
- 24 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
- Basic pension scheme.
- Salary sacrifice scheme.
- Health and wellbeing programme with discounts and promotions.
- On-site canteen.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on, experienced Production Operations Manager to join a growing and well-established business in Halstead, Essex.
Locations
Production Operations Manager in Essex, Halstead employer: First Call Contract Services
Contact Detail:
First Call Contract Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Operations Manager in Essex, Halstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work at companies you admire. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Knowing their values and recent developments will help you stand out. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around leadership and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you on their radar. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Production Operations Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Operations Manager in Essex, Halstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and warehouse management, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of HACCP and BRC regulations. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles. We love a good story that showcases your leadership and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us your achievements! Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate how you’ve improved efficiency, reduced waste, or met production targets. We’re all about results here at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll get to see more about our company culture and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Call Contract Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HACCP, BRC, and food safety regulations. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the terms but can apply them in a real-world setting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve production targets while maintaining high standards.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like managing inventory during a supply chain disruption. Practise your responses so you can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and organisational skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's production processes or future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
