At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop operational teams to achieve performance targets and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Pilgrim’s Europe, a leader in quality food production with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy family-friendly policies, learning opportunities, and life assurance.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on achieving ambitious goals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping future leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operations leadership within FMCG or food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Ruskington
Working Hours - Monday to Friday - 14:00 - 23:00 (with flexibility)
Department: Operations
Reports to: Factory Manager
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and driven Operations Manager to lead our Operational teams at Ruskington. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for delivering operational performance, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring the site consistently meets its targets across safety, quality, service, cost, and people. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the operation, driving continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and excellence. As a visible leader on site, you will champion both Quality and Food Safety, ensuring the highest standards are maintained at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Managers to build capability and succession.
- Drive performance through clear objectives, regular feedback, and effective people management.
- Foster a positive, high-performance culture focused on engagement, accountability, and teamwork.
- Ensure all employees are trained, developed, and equipped to succeed.
- Deliver site KPIs across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and efficiency.
- Lead resource, capacity, and labour planning to optimise operational performance.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all production areas.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and maximise profitability.
- Act as a visible ambassador for Quality and Food Safety.
- Ensure production areas remain audit-ready and compliant at all times.
- Lead investigations into quality and food safety issues using root cause analysis.
- Support customer audits, technical visits, HACCP activities, and continuous improvement programmes.
- Champion a culture where Safety is a Condition.
- Drive improvements in safety performance and environmental awareness.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, standards, and company policies.
- Work closely with teams across Engineering, Technical, HR, Finance, Supply Chain, Sales, and Operations.
- Support customer relationships and site visits, showcasing operational excellence.
- Participate in key site leadership meetings to drive alignment and business results.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in a senior operations or production leadership role within FMCG or food manufacturing.
- Strong track record of delivering operational KPIs and driving continuous improvement.
- Experience leading and developing large teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting, labour management, and cost control.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience with lean manufacturing, 5S, and change management programmes.
Desirable Qualifications
- Degree qualified or equivalent.
- Food Safety qualification.
- IOSH Managing Safely.
- HACCP.
- TACCP.
Why Join Us?
- Take on a highly visible leadership role with real influence over site performance.
- Lead large-scale operational and cultural improvement initiatives.
- Be part of a business committed to quality, food safety, and operational excellence.
- Develop and mentor future leaders while growing your own career.
- Work within a supportive leadership team focused on achieving ambitious goals.
- Join a business where your ideas, expertise, and leadership can make a lasting impact.
Ready to Lead from the Front?
If you're an experienced Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about developing people, driving performance, and delivering results, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of operations at Ruskington.
Operations Shift Manager in Sleaford employer: Pilgrims Europe
At Pilgrim's Europe, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises food safety and quality excellence. Our team in Attleborough benefits from continuous professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to innovation in food safety practices, making it a rewarding place to grow your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Shift Manager in Sleaford
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Pilgrims Europe.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Pilgrims Europe!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Pilgrims Europe, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Operations Shift Manager in Sleaford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Pilgrims Europe, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Pilgrims Europe.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Pilgrims Europe. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Pilgrims Europe. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Pilgrims Europe’s mission.
