At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations in butter production, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Join an award-winning butter producer supplying Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Monday–Friday schedule with opportunities for team growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company with a focus on quality and innovation in food production.
- Qualifications: Experience in food production and strong problem-solving skills are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to shape operations as the company scales.
This is a unique opportunity to join an award-winning butter producer, supplying over 75 Michelin-starred UK restaurants, bakeries, and delis. As they grow into retail, webshop, and airline supply, they’re looking for someone to take ownership of daily operations and help shape how we scale.
Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below.
You’ll report into the General Manager, work closely with the Founder/Director and GM on broader planning, and lead our current production team of four — with the expectation that this team will grow.
This is a Monday–Friday, on-site role covering production, quality, hygiene and logistics
Responsibilities
Production
● Oversee daily butter production to ensure quality, volume, and cost targets are met
● Monitor production lines, equipment efficiency, and labour allocation
● Lead continuous improvement — drive productivity, reduce downtime, improve KPIs
● Manage co-manufacturers, stock levels, incoming materials, and outbound deliveries
● Spot and resolve production issues — e.g. shaping downtime, butter consistency
● Support the GM and Founder with scaling plans — we expect ~30% growth in year one
Food Safety & Compliance
● Lead full HACCP and SALSA compliance
● Lead audit readiness and quality control processes
● Ensure hygiene, traceability, and regulatory standards are consistently met
Leadership & Team Growth
● Invest in the team’s development, empowering people to perform at their best
● Set a common purpose and support collaboration across the team
● Plan future team structure and production capacity as the business scales
Strategy & Planning
● Contribute to forward planning and operational strategy alongside the GM and Founder
● Help shape how production grows without losing quality or efficiency
Personal Profile
● Experience in a SALSA or BRC-accredited food production environment
● A background in technical, quality, or operations roles
● Strong attention to detail, calm under pressure, and practical problem-solving skills
● Comfortable leading a small, fast-moving production team in a hands-on environment
Ref Code: CV(phone number removed)
To apply, please e-mail in strict confidence, with a comprehensive CV, including salary details, quoting the above reference and for the attention of Jon Hemming-Nash
Due to a high volume of responses, we cannot reply to each application individually. If you have not had a response within one week, we are sorry to say your application has not been successful on this occasion
Operations Manager employer: The People Co
Contact Detail:
The People Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific production processes and quality standards in the butter industry. Understanding HACCP and SALSA compliance will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to food safety and quality.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food production sector, especially those with experience in operations management. Engaging with industry contacts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in fast-paced environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement and resolved production issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s growth plans and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to scaling operations effectively. Showing that you understand their vision and can align your strategies with it will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Operations Manager position. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in production, quality control, and team leadership.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in a SALSA or BRC-accredited food production environment. Provide specific examples of how you've overseen production processes, managed teams, and ensured compliance with food safety standards.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, include instances where you've successfully resolved production issues or improved operational efficiency. This will demonstrate your practical problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also conveys your passion for the role and the company. Mention your interest in contributing to the growth of the business and how you can help maintain quality during scaling.
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in a SALSA or BRC-accredited food production environment. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed production lines, ensured quality, and met compliance standards.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small team, be ready to share your leadership philosophy. Discuss how you empower team members, foster collaboration, and plan for team growth as the company scales.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure situations. Think of examples where you've successfully resolved production issues or improved efficiency in previous roles.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company's mission and values, particularly their commitment to quality and sustainability. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their growth while maintaining high standards.