Operations Manager - Nights

About this role

Operations manager Key Responsibilities Lead night shift operations across preparation, frying, and packing departments, ensuring consistent delivery of production targets, quality standards, and customer specifications. Act as a visible and approachable leader on nights , supporting all functions across the site (production, engineering, technical, hygiene, and logistics) to maintain operational continuity. Serve as a key escalation point for senior stakeholders , providing clear communication, rapid decision-making, and effective resolution of operational issues outside core business hours.

Drive a culture of accountability, engagement, and teamwork , ensuring all colleagues understand customer expectations, site priorities, and performance targets. Accurately track and manage labour hours across shift, ensuring full compliance with ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) standards , working time regulations, and site policies, proactively identifying and addressing any potential breaches. Monitor production performance in real-time, working cross-functionally to remove bottlenecks, minimise downtime, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and legal standards (e.g. HACCP, BRC, H&S), proactively addressing risks and stopping unsafe practices where necessary. Lead continuous improvement initiatives, driving gains in yield, efficiency, and right-first-time production through data-led decision-making. Build strong working relationships across departments, enabling seamless communication between day and night operations and supporting site-wide objectives.

Coach and develop supervisors and team leaders, strengthening capability, succession planning, and overall team performance. Support site KPIs including cost control, waste reduction, labour efficiency, and service levels , contributing to overall business profitability. Manage incident response on shift, including technical, engineering, or staffing challenges, ensuring minimal disruption to production schedules. Champion a positive safety culture, Lead and chair the monthly Health and Safety Meeting, while also embedding best practice and ensuring all team members operate in a safe and compliant manner.