Operations Manager

The People Co.
London

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.

Posted 2026-05-27

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