Operations Manager

We’re hiring an Operations Manager role for an FMCG scale-up based near Guildford.

This ethical brand has grown double digit for the last 5+ years. They have an established customer base, and are operating across multiple channels within the UK.

This role will lead and develop a team, whilst also being responsible for continuous improvement, 3PL/carrier management, health & safety and cost reduction initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Fulfilment

• Take overall responsibility for day-to-day production and order fulfilment across direct-to-consumer, wholesale, grocery, and business customer channels.
• Ensure customer orders are delivered on time and in full while maintaining tight control of labour expenditure and operational budgets.
• Build strong relationships with third-party logistics providers and manufacturing partners to achieve high standards of service, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Develop and implement logistics solutions that improve operational performance while supporting sustainability objectives.

Process Improvement & Performance

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve standard operating procedures, and eliminate waste across production and fulfilment.
• Drive initiatives that improve packaging efficiency, lower shipping costs, and minimise environmental impact.
• Analyse operational metrics and performance data to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and reduce cost-to-serve.
• Improve order accuracy, delivery reliability, and the overall customer experience.
• Lead initiatives that reduce product returns and customer service enquiries through operational enhancements.

Leadership & Compliance

• Establish effective team structures, succession planning, training programmes, and capability development.
• Champion a strong culture of health and safety while ensuring compliance with quality standards and BRCGS requirements.
• Oversee preventative maintenance programmes to maximise equipment performance and minimise production downtime.
• Support fulfilment planning for retail, grocery, and peak trading periods.
• Play a key role in shaping and scaling operational capability to support future business growth.

Skills & Experience

• 3+ years experience leading operations within a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment.
• Demonstrated success managing production/manufacturing/logsitics operations
• Comfortable balancing a hands-on presence within operations while also driving strategic process improvements.
• Strong leadership skills with experience coaching, developing, and motivating teams.
• Sound understanding of health & safety legislation, quality management systems, and industry compliance standards.

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