At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production planning and ensure smooth operations in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join First Quality Foods, a leader in the food industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by balancing customer needs with factory capabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
A key position offered at First Quality Foods, the Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth running of the operations department – specifically with regards to Production Planning, Demand Forecasting, Capacity Planning, Logistics and Cross-Department Coordination.
Working closely with the Factory Manager, Commercial team and Supply Chain subordinates, the role plays a key part in balancing customer requirements with factory capability - ensuring materials, labour and production capacity are aligned to deliver a high quality product on time in full while maintaining operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Production Planning
- Lead the production planning function. Producing daily, weekly and longer-term manufacturing plans.
- Develop achievable production schedules that maximise factory efficiency while meeting customer demand.
- Ensure production plans reflect available labour, materials, machine capacity and customer priorities.
- Monitor plan adherence and work with production teams to resolve issues and minimise disruption.
- Forecasting & Commercial Collaboration
- Work closely with the Commercial team and with Private Label customers to understand customer forecasts, promotions and changing demand.
- Translate sales forecasts and Private Label demand into effective production plans.
- Review forecast accuracy and recommend improvements to planning processes.
- Communicate capacity constraints and planning risks to key stakeholders.
- Factory Collaboration
- Work closely with the Factory Manager to ensure the smooth operation of the factory.
- Ensure production plans are practical and deliverable.
- Balance production efficiency & utilisation with employee welfare and customer service requirements.
- Support improvements in production flow, line utilisation and changeover efficiency.
- Support factory manager with the management of available equipment, it’s maintenance and effectiveness for efficient production.
- Respond quickly to changes in demand or operational issues by adjusting production plans where required.
- Supply Chain Coordination
- Oversee the supply chain function.
Collaborate with Procurement, Technical and Supply Chain subordinates to ensure effective supplier management, material compliance, and cost optimisation.
- Monitor stock levels to maintain product availability while minimising excess inventory.
- Identify potential supply risks and develop contingency plans.
- Continuous Improvement
- Support and initiate new, and review existing processes to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and cost savings.
- Develop KPIs where necessary and ensure existing reports are updated and utilised.
- Drive improvements in planning systems and ways of working.
- Promote effective communication across Commercial, Supply Chain and Manufacturing teams.
- Key Performance Measures
- Customer service performance (OTIF)
- Production plan adherence
- Forecast accuracy Factory utilisation
- Stock availability
- Inventory levels
- Waste reduction
- Cost management
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Experience in production planning within a food manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and production scheduling.
- Experience working with commercial forecasting and customer demand planning.
- Ability to work collaboratively across Commercial, Supply Chain and Manufacturing.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
- Experience managing or developing an operations team.
- Knowledge within bakery or other food manufacturing.
- Continuous improvement or Lean manufacturing experience.
- Personal Attributes
- Highly organised.
- Strong leadership.
- Collaborative and adaptable.
- Practical and solutions-focused.
- Confident decision maker.
- Cost-conscious.
- Committed to excellent customer service.
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Operations Manager in Bristol employer: First Quality Foods
First Quality Foods is an exceptional employer, offering the Operations Manager role in a dynamic food manufacturing environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development, all while maintaining a supportive work culture that prioritises operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a stimulating atmosphere that encourages teamwork and creativity, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Bristol
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like First Quality Foods, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to First Quality Foods specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Quality Foods
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with First Quality Foods, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like First Quality Foods value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
