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- Tasks: Lead daily operations in a fast-paced Food & Beverage manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing, BRCGS accredited contract manufacturer in Hampshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, career growth, and the chance to shape operational success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving production efficiency and compliance.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG operations and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and client satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
Key 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!
Operations Manager in Southampton employer: New Chapter Consulting
Contact Detail:
New Chapter Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and goals. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how it relates to the operations manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in the Food & Beverage manufacturing sector and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven compliance and operational excellence in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities—show us your achievements! Use metrics and data to demonstrate how you’ve improved production performance or led successful audits. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best experience. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Chapter Consulting
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operations of the Food & Beverage manufacturing sector. Brush up on BRCGS compliance and HACCP principles, as these will likely be key discussion points. Being able to speak confidently about your experience in these areas will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-functional teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and inspire a diverse workforce, which is crucial for the Operations Manager position.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves operational reporting and performance management, come prepared with metrics from your previous roles. Discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in production efficiency or compliance. This will highlight your analytical skills and your understanding of manufacturing cost drivers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the company’s growth and operational strategies. Inquire about their plans for scaling operations or how they maintain audit readiness. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.