Operations Manager

Ruskington ¦ Full-time ¦ PM Shift - 14:00 - 22:00// Operations ¦ Reporting to: Factory Manager Are you an experienced Production Manager from a large, fast-paced food manufacturing site looking to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in high-volume operations, enjoy leading large teams, and want the opportunity to progress into a senior leadership role? We're offering an outstanding development opportunity for a high-performing Production Manager to step into an Operations Manager position at our Ruskington site. You'll join a strong leadership team and take ownership of major operational areas, gaining exposure, responsibility, and support to grow into a future Factory Manager. What You'll Do In this next-step role, you will: Lead large production teams to deliver KPIs across output, efficiency, quality, food safety, service, and cost. Drive continuous improvement and modern manufacturing practices across a busy, high-volume site. Embed 5S, Lean and world-class manufacturing standards with your teams. Champion Health & Safety and help strengthen a culture where “Safety is a Condition.” Take ownership of operational performance, supporting audits, HACCP reviews, and customer visits. Manage budgets, labour, and resources, identifying opportunities to improve yields and reduce costs. Coach and develop your managers and team leaders, creating a talent pipeline for the future. Collaborate closely with Technical, Engineering, Supply Chain, HR and other key departments to deliver site-wide results. Play a central part in keeping the site “audit ready” at all times through strong GMP and proactive problem-solving. Who We're Looking For This role is ideal for ambitious Production Managers who are ready for the next challenge. You'll need: Proven leadership in a large-scale, fast-paced food manufacturing environment (high volume, multiple lines, short shelf life or high SKU complexity). Experience managing sizeable teams and influencing across multiple functions. Strong understanding of efficiency drivers, cost control and continuous improvement tools (e.g., 5S, Lean, SMED). The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities. Confidence to challenge, engage, and motivate teams from the shop floor to senior stakeholders. A desire to step up, expand your scope and develop into an Operations Manager (and beyond). Qualifications Degree level or equivalent experience. Food Safety, HACCP, IOSH Managing Safely, TACCP training. Why This Is a Great Next Step A rare opportunity for an ambitious Production Manager to step into a true Operations Manager role. Exposure to a broad set of responsibilities that will prepare you for future Factory Manager opportunities. Work in one of the UK's leading food businesses with a strong track record of developing internal talent. Be part of a values-driven culture that champions quality, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Operate in a dynamic, high-volume environment where you can make a real impact, fast. Perks & Benefits at Pilgrim's Europe Competitive salary 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Company pension scheme with contributions Wellbeing and mental health support Access to learning, leadership development, and career progression programmes Staff discounts on our products A culture that values ownership, determination, and collaboration Ready to make the step up? If you're a high-performing Production Manager from a big, busy food manufacturing site ready to progress into Operations Management, we want to hear from you. Join Pilgrim's Europe at Ruskington and take the next big step in your leadership career. Apply now and start your progression journey.TPBN1_UKTJ