At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve operations in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Respected food manufacturing business focused on people and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth, influence strategy, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with ambitious plans and a commitment to quality.
- Why this job: Shape culture, develop leaders, and drive operational excellence every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in food or beverage manufacturing with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Some opportunities are about taking the next step. Others are about becoming the person everyone turns to. This is one of those opportunities. I'm exclusively partnering with a highly respected food manufacturing business to appoint an Operations Manager - a genuine Number 2 on site role with significant influence, responsibility and visibility across the operation.
Reporting directly to the Site Director, you'll be at the heart of a modern, process-driven manufacturing site where people, continuous improvement and operational excellence genuinely matter. This isn't simply about running production. It's about shaping culture, developing leaders, improving performance and helping define what "great" looks like every single day.
If you're currently leading operations within a food or beverage manufacturing environment and you're looking for a role where your ideas will be listened to, your leadership will be valued and your career can continue to grow, I'd love to speak with you.
The Opportunity
This is a business that believes sustainable success starts with its people. You'll inherit experienced operational managers and lead both the processing and packing functions, creating an environment where accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement become part of everyday working life.
Working alongside the Site Director, you'll help shape site strategy while remaining close enough to the factory floor to make a genuine difference to operational performance. You'll also deputise for the Site Director when required, making this an outstanding opportunity for someone who enjoys broad operational responsibility and is ready for a highly visible leadership position.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading processing and packing operations through strong, engaging leadership
- Developing and coaching managers to build high-performing teams
- Driving a culture built around Safety, Quality, People, Delivery and Cost (SQPDC)
- Embedding Lean manufacturing principles and delivering meaningful continuous improvement projects
- Improving productivity, yields, efficiencies and overall site performance
- Supporting strategic planning, capacity optimisation and future investment
- Ensuring world-class standards in food safety, quality and compliance
- Working cross-functionally to consistently deliver exceptional customer service
- Playing a key role in the site's leadership team while providing cover for the Site Director when required
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an inspirational operational leader who enjoys developing people just as much as improving processes. You'll probably already be an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager or Senior Operations Leader within a process-driven food or beverage manufacturing environment.
You'll bring:
- Proven operational leadership experience within food or beverage manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of process manufacturing and high-volume production environments
- A track record of leading continuous improvement and Lean initiatives
- Experience delivering excellent food safety and quality standards, including BRC and HACCP
- A collaborative leadership style that earns trust and develops capability
- Strong commercial awareness with experience improving productivity, yields and cost performance
- Excellent communication skills and the confidence to influence across all levels of the business
Above all, you'll be someone who enjoys building great teams, solving problems and creating an environment where people can perform at their very best.
Why This Role?
Some Operations Manager positions are about maintaining performance. This one is about improving it. You'll join a business with ambitious plans, genuine investment and a leadership team that values openness, accountability and continuous improvement. Your voice will matter. Your decisions will have real impact. You'll have the autonomy to make improvements while being supported by experienced senior leadership.
For someone with the ambition to progress further into senior site leadership, this represents an exceptional career opportunity.
Interested? This appointment is being managed exclusively by Zest Recruitment, so all applications and enquiries will be handled in complete confidence. If you're an ambitious Operations Manager ready for a role where you can influence strategy, develop people and leave a lasting mark on a high-performing manufacturing operation, I'd love to tell you more. Apply today or please contact Shaf Islam at.
Operations Manager in Lincoln employer: Zest Food Jobs
Join an ambitious, founder-led food and beverage manufacturer in North London as an Operations Manager, where your contributions will directly shape the future of the business. With a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, you'll enjoy significant career progression, private healthcare, and a long-term equity opportunity, all while working closely with experienced founders in a fast-paced environment that values innovation and initiative. This is a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in a growing company that prioritises quality and customer partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Lincoln
✨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 Zest Food Jobs, 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 in Lincoln
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 Zest Food Jobs 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 Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Zest Food Jobs, 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 Zest Food Jobs 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.
