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- Tasks: Lead daily operations in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and drive team performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic food and drinks manufacturing company focused on quality and safety.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for career growth and development in a vibrant industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring high standards in food safety and operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG food manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
The Operations Manager will be responsible for leading the day-to-day running of a fast‑paced food manufacturing site. This role will drive performance across production, planning, training, quality, safety, and people management to ensure consistent delivery of service, standards, and output. The Operations Manager will lead multiple production lines, manage large teams, and continuously improve operational efficiency while upholding high food safety and audit compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Operational Management
- Lead the daily operations across multiple production lines within a short shelf‑life environment.
- Manage and develop cross‑functional teams, ensuring strong communication and consistent performance.
- Oversee production planning, scheduling, labour allocation, and resource utilisation.
- Ensure all KPIs are delivered across yield, waste, downtime, labour efficiency, service, and OTIF.
- Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, GMP, HACCP, and audit standards.
- Lead and support customer and regulatory audits including preparation, hosting, and corrective action management.
- Maintain documentation and ensure all SOPs are followed consistently.
- Training, Culture & People Development
- Work with Training teams to ensure all staff are trained, assessed, and competent.
- Drive a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Lead performance management, absence control, succession planning, and staff development.
- Identify and deliver improvements in output, labour utilisation, flow, and cost control.
- Support initiatives around lean manufacturing, standardisation, and efficiency.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Technical, Engineering, NPD, Planning, and HR.
- Act as the senior operational lead supporting the wider leadership team.
Key Skills & Experience
- Strong experience in FMCG food manufacturing.
- Proven leadership of large teams in a high‑volume production environment.
- Experience managing KPIs, planning, training, and continuous improvement.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, food safety standards, and audit expectations.
- Strong communication, decision‑making, and organisational skills.
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and lead through change.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Manufacturing Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Operations Manager in Newtownards employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Contact Detail:
Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Newtownards
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in previous roles. We love hearing about your successes and how you can bring that energy to our operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Newtownards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in FMCG food manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food safety and operational efficiency. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance in previous roles, and don't forget to show your personality!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and KPIs to demonstrate your impact, like improvements in yield or reductions in downtime. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it's super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and GMP. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the industry's demands.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led large teams in a fast-paced environment. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve KPIs and improve operational efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Be ready to talk about your experience working with different departments like Technical, Engineering, and HR. Highlight any successful projects where collaboration led to improved outcomes, as this is key for the Operations Manager role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's culture, training initiatives, and their approach to continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
