At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve production operations in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join THG, a global leader in beauty and sports nutrition.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management within high-volume manufacturing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About THG
We are THG, a global ecommerce group on a mission to be the global online leader in beauty and sports nutrition. Our portfolio of leading retailers and brands such as LOOKFANTASTIC, Myprotein, ESPA, Perricone MD, and Cult Beauty form our two core businesses: THG Beauty and THG Nutrition. From Manchester to New York, we're powered by a team of over 2500 people who work together, lead by example, and think BIG. With us, you'll go further, faster.
Location: Brighter Foods, Pendre Industrial Estate, Tywyn, LL36 9LW
About THG Nutrition Manufacturing
THG Manufacturing is the dedicated, high-growth contract manufacturing and co-manufacturing division of THG PLC. Operating from state-of-the-art, BRCGS-accredited manufacturing facilities globally, we partner with prestigious household names and global powerhouse brands who trust us to formulate, produce, and scale their product ranges.
Our specialised manufacturing capabilities include:
- Powder Blending (sports nutrition, lifestyle powders, functional health formulations)
- Tablets & Capsules (vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements)
- Protein Bar Manufacturing (extruded, layered, and premium enrobed formats)
- Fruit Preparations & Concentrates (aseptic processing and clean-label infusions)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day performance and continuous improvement of production operations at our food manufacturing site in Tywyn, Gwynedd. Reporting directly to the Site Manager, you will be responsible for translating site strategy into operational execution, ensuring production performance is delivered consistently across all shifts. You will provide leadership and direction to the Manufacturing Shift Managers, driving improvements in Safety, Quality, Service, Cost and People performance while embedding a culture of accountability, operational discipline and continuous improvement.
As a key member of the site leadership team, you will play a critical role in stabilising performance, reducing variability between shifts, improving labour utilisation, increasing equipment effectiveness and supporting the site's ongoing improvement journey.
This role offers the opportunity to lead a significant manufacturing operation, influence site-wide performance and develop the next generation of operational leaders within a growing food manufacturing business.
As the Operations Manager Brighter Foods you will:
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Provide visible leadership for Health & Safety, driving a proactive culture focused on safety, accountability and hazard elimination.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, Environmental and regulatory requirements across all manufacturing operations.
- Lead the investigation and closure of incidents, near misses and corrective actions, maintaining high standards of GMP, hygiene and housekeeping.
- Support internal, customer and third-party audits whilst ensuring continuous audit readiness.
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, coach and develop Shift Managers and Supervisors, building leadership capability and succession strength across manufacturing.
- Drive accountability, performance standards, employee engagement, attendance, retention and workforce stability.
- Manage performance, capability, disciplinary and employee relations processes as required.
- Foster a culture of ownership, continuous improvement and operational excellence aligned to company values.
Operational Delivery
- Own manufacturing performance across all shifts, ensuring the safe, efficient and consistent delivery of production plans.
- Standardise processes and ways of working to reduce variation and improve operational consistency.
- Optimise labour, equipment and material utilisation to meet business and customer requirements.
- Lead operational reviews, manage risk and work cross-functionally with Planning, Warehouse, Engineering and Technical teams to deliver site objectives.
Quality & Food Safety
- Act as the operational lead for Food Safety and Quality, driving a strong Right First Time culture across manufacturing.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, customer and site quality standards.
- Lead investigations into quality incidents, complaints and non-conformances, implementing robust root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Partner with Technical teams to improve process control, product consistency and reduce waste, rework and customer risk.
Performance Management & Cost Control
- Own performance against safety, quality, service, cost, labour and waste targets.
- Drive improvements in OEE, productivity, yield and line efficiency through data-led decision making.
- Ensure accurate KPI reporting and identify opportunities to reduce costs through waste elimination and operational improvement.
- Support budgeting, labour planning and resource allocation to align manufacturing capacity with demand.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead continuous improvement programmes across manufacturing, embedding Lean principles and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Drive cross-functional improvement initiatives to eliminate recurring losses, improve efficiency and reduce waste.
- Standardise and sustain best practices while encouraging colleagues to contribute improvement ideas.
- Deliver measurable gains in productivity, labour utilisation and operational performance.
Engineering & Asset Performance
- Partner with Engineering to improve equipment reliability, performance and overall asset effectiveness.
- Support the transition from reactive to preventative maintenance, promoting operational ownership of equipment standards.
- Minimise downtime through proactive problem-solving and effective maintenance prioritisation.
- Contribute to capital investment and operational improvement projects.
Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the key operational link between Site Leadership and manufacturing teams, ensuring priorities and objectives are clearly communicated.
- Provide effective escalation, reporting and resolution of operational issues and risks.
- Build strong relationships across Engineering, Technical, Planning, HR and Supply Chain functions.
- Represent manufacturing performance in leadership reviews, providing clear insight into performance, risks and improvement opportunities.
Key Measures of Success
- Outstanding safety performance and regulatory compliance.
- Consistent achievement of production plans across all shifts.
- Reduced variation in performance between days, nights and manufacturing areas.
- Improved OEE, productivity and labour utilisation.
- Reduced waste, rework and giveaway.
- Improved employee engagement, retention and labour stability.
- Strong development and progression of Manufacturing Shift Managers and Production Supervisors.
- Improved equipment reliability and reduction in downtime.
- Successful delivery of continuous improvement initiatives.
- Positive customer, internal and third-party audit outcomes.
- Sustainable improvements in manufacturing cost performance.
What skills and experience do I need for this role?
Essential
- Proven experience as a Production Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager or equivalent senior operational leadership role within FMCG, food manufacturing, beverage manufacturing or another high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Experience leading multiple Shift Managers and large operational teams across a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
- Strong track record of delivering improvements in safety, quality, service, cost and people performance.
- Experience managing labour-intensive manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated success in improving operational consistency, efficiency and workforce engagement.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety, Food Safety, HACCP and GMP requirements.
- Experience leading continuous improvement and operational excellence programmes.
- Strong leadership, coaching and people development capability.
Desirable
- Food Safety Level 3 or above. HACCP certification. IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH qualification.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement qualification.
- ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management or equivalent.
- Manufacturing, Engineering or Operations-related qualification.
- Experience within bar manufacturing or similar high-volume food production environments.
What's in it for me?
Career Development
- Access bespoke development programmes that have been designed and developed by our in-house L&D team.
- Continued development through our upskilling programme that is delivered in partnership with an industry-leading training provider.
Enhanced Leave
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Don't want to work on your birthday? We don't either! Enjoy your day off on us!
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, depending on length of service.
- Up to 10 days compassionate leave.
- Buy back up to 3 days each year.
- Unlock 2 days volunteer leave after 12-months.
Wellbeing Support
- Access face-to-face and virtual appointments with our in-house GP (Manchester Head Office).
- Access to our subsidised on-site dentist (Manchester Head Office).
- Access our 247 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which is provided by Bupa.
- State-of-the-art on-site gym (Manchester Head Office).
- Access to our on-site physio (Manchester Head Office).
Other Perks
- Save up to 12% on the cost of personal tech through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands.
- On-site staff shop (Manchester Head Office).
- Know someone who would be perfect for THG? Refer them and get up to 1000 when they pass their probation.
- Anniversary gifts when you hit 5 and 10 years of service.
THG is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you are invited to interview, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability. THG is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Because of the high volumes of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application we receive within 14 days. If you haven't heard from us within that time frame or should you have any specific questions about this or other applications for positions at THG please contact one of our Talent team to discuss further.
Operations Manager (Brighter Foods) - THG Manufacturing in Tywyn employer: The Hut Group
At Lookfantastic, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer that champions creativity and collaboration in the heart of Manchester. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our bespoke development programmes and upskilling initiatives, ensuring that you can thrive in your role as Editorial & Content Lead while enjoying a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusivity. With competitive benefits like enhanced leave, access to wellness resources, and generous staff discounts, we offer a rewarding environment where you can make a meaningful impact in the beauty industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager (Brighter Foods) - THG Manufacturing in Tywyn
✨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 The Hut Group, 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 (Brighter Foods) - THG Manufacturing in Tywyn
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 The Hut Group 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 The Hut Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with The Hut Group, 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 The Hut Group 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.
