Full job descriptionOperations Manager - Food ManufacturingAre you an experienced Operations Manager with a strong background in manufacturing, production or FMCG? Do you enjoy being hands-on, improving processes and driving operational excellence?
We are seeking a proactive and experienced Operations Manager to join a well-established food manufacturing operation based in Haslemere.
This is an excellent opportunity for a practical, improvement-focused professional to take ownership of health and safety, operational standards, equipment reliability and continuous improvement within a busy production environment.
Working closely with production, procurement and inventory teams, you will play a key role in identifying operational challenges, implementing effective solutions and ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
Key ResponsibilitiesHealth & Safety
*Take ownership of Health & Safety across the site, ensuring a safe working environment.
*Develop, maintain and continuously improve H&S standards and procedures.
*Identify and manage operational risks, ensuring appropriate controls are in place.
Operational Standards & SOPs
*Manage and maintain the site’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
*Develop, review and implement procedures to ensure safe, consistent and efficient operations.
*Drive compliance with established operational standards across the site.
Continuous Improvement
*Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, safety, productivity and reliability.
*Investigate recurring operational issues, identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
*Lead continuous improvement initiatives and operational improvement projects.
*Work collaboratively with teams to embed and maintain improvements.
Maintenance & Equipment Reliability
*Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programmes and equipment reliability.
*Manage an Operations Coordinator and external maintenance contractors.
*Ensure maintenance activities are effectively planned and completed.
*Identify and resolve recurring equipment issues to minimise downtime.
Food Safety & Compliance
*Maintain high standards of food safety and operational compliance.
*Oversee HACCP, GMP and BRCGS compliance requirements.
*Ensure operational processes and controls remain effective and audit-ready.
Operational Development
*Provide technical and operational expertise when introducing new equipment, products and processes.
*Support wider operational teams to improve performance and efficiency.
*Work closely with the management team to drive operational excellence across the site.
About You*Proven experience within a manufacturing or production environment, ideally within food manufacturing or FMCG.
*Strong practical Health & Safety knowledge, supported by an IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
*Experience developing, implementing and managing Standard Operating Procedures.
*A proven track record of delivering continuous improvement initiatives and resolving operational challenges.
*Experience overseeing maintenance activities and improving equipment reliability.
*Knowledge of food safety standards, including HACCP, GMP and BRCGS.