Operations Manager
Our client, a rapidly growing organisation within the FMCG food manufacturing and distribution sector, is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Operations Manager to lead a large-scale production operation based in North West London. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly organised operational leader to take ownership of a fast-paced, multi-shift food production facility supplying retail, wholesale, and B2B customers.
Offering a salary of circa £60,000 per annum , this role is ideal for an experienced operations professional with a strong background in central production units, food manufacturing, or large-scale production kitchens.
Job Role
Reporting to the Operations Director, the Central Kitchen Operations Manager will take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of a high-volume production facility, overseeing production, dispatch, compliance, team leadership, and continuous improvement activities.
Managing a large multi-shift team, you will ensure products are produced safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards while maintaining operational performance, food safety compliance, and financial targets.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop Production Managers, Supervisors, Dispatch teams, and Production Operatives across day and night shifts.
- Oversee all production planning, staffing allocation, and operational workflow activities.
- Ensure products are manufactured to specification, maintaining quality, portion control, packaging, and allergen compliance standards.
- Manage daily dispatch operations, ensuring orders are fulfilled accurately and delivered on time.
- Maintain compliance with SALSA/BRC, HACCP, traceability, and food safety standards at all times.
- Oversee all production records, temperature monitoring, batch traceability, and audit documentation.
- Ensure equipment maintenance, cleaning schedules, and operational standards are consistently maintained.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and operational performance.
- Take ownership of the operational P&L, managing labour, waste, purchasing, and overhead costs.
- Produce and analyse operational and financial reports to support business performance.
- Manage supplier relationships and challenge performance where necessary.
- Lead operational improvement and infrastructure projects, including automation and process optimisation initiatives.
- Work closely with Supply Chain, Finance, Retail Operations, and Product Development teams to support business growth and operational scalability.
Personal Profile
- Significant experience within a Central Kitchen, CPU, food manufacturing, or large-scale food production environment.
- Previous experience operating at Operations Manager level or similar senior leadership role.
- Strong working knowledge of SALSA/BRC, HACCP, food safety, and traceability systems.
- Proven experience managing large teams across multiple shifts, including night operations.
- Strong financial and commercial awareness with experience managing operational budgets and KPIs.
- Excellent organisational and leadership skills with the ability to drive high performance.
- Experience implementing SOPs, operational workflows, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Calm and solutions-focused approach within fast-paced operational environments.
- Passionate about operational excellence, quality, and team development.
Benefits include:
- Discretionary performance based bonus
- Bupa healthcare
- Free food and drink on shift
Ref Code: W013283
To apply, please send your comprehensive CV in strict confidence, quoting the reference above and for the attention of Jon Hemming-Nash . Please include current salary details within your application.
Due to high response levels, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within one week, regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion.
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