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.