Operations Lead

Key responsibilities

• In this role you will: Improve site performance across Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, People, and Sustainability metrics. Consistently deliver production plans while improving efficiency and reliability. Build a strong pipeline of continuous improvement projects with verified business benefits. Enhance audit readiness and compliance performance. Develop a highly capable and engaged manufacturing team. Create a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous learning. Develop High-Performing Teams Build an engaged, accountable, and inclusive manufacturing culture. Coach and develop operational leaders and frontline teams. Strengthen succession planning and capability development across the function. Partner Across the Business Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and other site functions. Lead cross-functional projects and improvement programmes that deliver sustainable business results. Provide operational insight and strategic input to the Site Leadership Team. . Lead Safe and Compliant Operations Champion a safety-first culture through visible leadership and proactive risk management. Ensure compliance with health & safety, environmental, food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Lead incident investigations and ensure effective, sustainable corrective actions are implemented. Deliver Operational Excellence Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to achieve production plans and customer service commitments. Drive performance against key metrics including OTIF, OEE, yield, waste reduction, throughput, and labour productivity. Ensure resources, equipment, materials, and people are aligned to business demand. Drive Continuous Improvement Develop and execute a site continuous improvement roadmap aligned to business priorities. Lead Lean initiatives and coach teams in structured problem solving and operational excellence methodologies. Deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, reliability, quality, and cost performance Qualifications and skills Degree qualified or equivalent experience in Manufacturing, Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline. Significant leadership experience within food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or another regulated manufacturing environment. Proven track record of leading operational performance in a complex manufacturing setting. Strong understanding of health & safety, quality, food safety, and environmental requirements. Experience leading Lean, Continuous Improvement, and operational transformation initiatives. Strong analytical and commercial mindset with the ability to translate data into action. Experience managing production planning, resource utilisation, and operational performance. Outstanding people leadership, coaching, and stakeholder management skills. IOSH or NEBOSH qualification. HACCP/Food Safety Level 3 certification. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent. Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems. Project leadership experience with demonstrated delivery of measurable business benefits.