Operations Manager in City of London

Some operations roles are about maintaining the status quo. This isn’t one of them. We’re exclusively partnering with an ambitious, founder-led food and beverage manufacturer that’s entering an exciting phase of growth. Already making waves in its category, the business has built an exceptional reputation for quality, innovation and customer partnerships—and now they’re looking for an Operations Manager who wants to help shape what comes next.

This is a rare opportunity for someone who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments, enjoys rolling up their sleeves and wants to make a genuine impact. You’ll work directly alongside the founders, taking ownership of day-to-day operations while helping build the systems, processes and team that will support the next stage of the company’s journey. If you’ve built your career in scaling SMEs, challenger brands or entrepreneurial manufacturing businesses, you’ll feel right at home.

The Opportunity

You’ll lead the operational heartbeat of the business, ensuring production, supply chain and fulfilment run efficiently while continuously identifying opportunities to improve performance. This is a highly visible role where your ideas will be heard, your decisions will matter, and your contribution will directly influence the future success of the business.

• Leading daily manufacturing and operational activities to deliver quality, efficiency and service.
• Driving continuous improvement across production, planning, warehousing and fulfilment.
• Analysing operational performance, identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical improvements.
• Working closely with production teams to understand processes first-hand and support where required.
• Managing inventory, supplier relationships and production planning.
• Leading, coaching and developing a growing operations team.
• Ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality and health & safety compliance.
• Supporting the founders as the business scales, helping establish robust operational foundations for future growth.

About You

We’re looking for someone who enjoys solving operational challenges just as much as leading people. You’ll likely have:

• Experience in food or beverage manufacturing operations.
• A background within a fast-growing SME, challenger brand or start-up environment.
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing standards and compliance.
• A naturally analytical approach with a passion for improving systems and processes.
• Experience managing teams within a manufacturing environment.
• The confidence to work autonomously while collaborating closely with founders and senior stakeholders.
• A hands-on leadership style—you aren’t afraid to spend time on the factory floor when needed.

Most importantly, you’re excited by growth. You enjoy building, improving and creating something bigger than yourself.

What’s on Offer?

This is far more than a traditional Operations Manager position. You’ll be joining a business at a pivotal stage of its journey, where you’ll have genuine influence over how the operation evolves and scales. In return, you’ll receive:

• Long-term equity opportunity, giving you the chance to share in the future success of the business.
• Direct exposure to experienced founders and strategic decision making.
• Significant career progression as the company continues to grow.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where initiative is encouraged and ideas are valued.
• Private healthcare and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Ongoing investment in your personal and professional development.

If you’re looking for a role where you can leave your mark, grow with an ambitious business and become part of its long-term success story, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information, please contact Shaf Islam on si@zestfoodjobs.co.uk