At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily site operations, drive lean manufacturing, and ensure productivity and safety standards.
- Company: Join a market-leading food manufacturer focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pivotal leadership role while shaping the future of the site.
- Qualifications: Experience as a General Manager in manufacturing, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills required.
- Other info: This is an interim role with a chance to influence a high-performing team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About the Role
We’re working in partnership with a market-leading food manufacturer to recruit an Interim Site General Manager. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing all site operations, aligning manufacturing strategies with business goals, and driving a culture of operational excellence.
As Interim Site GM, you will lead from the front—embedding lean manufacturing principles, optimising performance, and championing continuous improvement across all functions. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the site while ensuring the highest standards of productivity, safety, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of daily site operations to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.
- Drive lean manufacturing and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
- Set strategic direction for site development and operational performance.
- Own and manage site budgets, driving cost efficiencies and profitability.
- Ensure workforce productivity, engagement, and development through effective leadership.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration to meet customer expectations and business goals.
- Monitor and report KPIs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate H&S strategy and implementation across the site.
- Ensure all operations are fully compliant with legislation and internal policies.
- Lead audits and performance reviews in H&S, reporting to senior management and external bodies.
- Develop and deliver local social and environmental strategies in line with corporate goals.
- Promote environmental and social responsibility in all site activities.
About You:
- Proven track record as a General Manager or senior operational leader in manufacturing (preferably food/FMCG).
- Strong background in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational execution.
- A natural leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- High-level problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Strong analytical mindset with a continuous improvement focus.
- Skilled in performance management, process optimisation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Comfortable leading change and fostering a high-performance culture.
What’s On Offer
- A critical interim leadership role with real impact.
- Opportunity to shape the direction of a market-leading site.
- A supportive and results-focused environment.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take on a high-impact interim leadership role with a leading name in food manufacturing, we want to hear from you.
Operations Manager employer: FMCG Exec
Contact Detail:
FMCG Exec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented these strategies in previous roles will demonstrate your capability to drive operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who have experience in operations management. Engaging in conversations about industry trends and challenges can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership style and how you engage teams to achieve high performance. Think of specific instances where you've successfully led cross-functional teams or improved workforce productivity, as these will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on health and safety regulations relevant to the food manufacturing sector. Being knowledgeable about compliance issues will not only help you in interviews but also show that you are proactive about maintaining high standards in operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly in the food or FMCG sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and achievements in driving operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Emphasise your proven track record in strategic planning and continuous improvement, and how these align with the company's goals.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that showcase your ability to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets. This could be through successful budget management or leading cross-functional teams.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your leadership capabilities by providing examples of how you've engaged and developed teams in previous roles. Mention any experience you have with recruitment, training, and performance management.
How to prepare for a job interview at FMCG Exec
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, driven performance improvements, and managed change in previous roles.
✨Understand Lean Manufacturing Principles
Familiarise yourself with lean manufacturing concepts, as this role emphasises embedding these principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these strategies in past positions to optimise operations and enhance productivity.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
This position requires setting strategic direction for site development. Think about your experience with strategic planning and budgeting, and be prepared to share insights on how you align operational goals with business objectives.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Highlight your problem-solving skills during the interview. Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in operations management and how you approached them, focusing on your analytical mindset and decision-making process.