Operations Manager Job at Zest Food Jobs (Reading)

Job Description

We're exclusively partnering with an exciting and fast-growing food manufacturer who, over just a few short years, have built a fantastic reputation and loyal customer base. With strong momentum behind them and ambitious growth plans ahead, they're now looking to welcome an Operations Manager to work closely with the Founders and help take the business to the next stage. This is a rare opportunity to step into a broad, influential role within a young, entrepreneurial business. You'll be at the heart of the operation - supporting day-to-day manufacturing, building robust processes, and helping shape how the business scales. For the right person, this role offers genuine progression as the company continues to grow.

Job Responsibility

Plan and manage daily and weekly production schedules
Balance efficiency with allergen management and customer delivery deadlines
Support scale-up activities as volumes increase
Lead, motivate and develop the production team
Maintain strong performance, productivity and morale
Support shift planning and day-to-day people management
Oversee ordering, intake and stock control of raw materials
Maintain accurate stock records
Ensure finished goods are dispatched on time and in full
Maintain controlled documents, procedures and records
Manage supplier approvals and raw material specifications
Ensure ongoing compliance with BRCGS, HACCP and customer standards
Support internal audits, customer visits and BRC audits
Champion a strong health & safety culture across site
Ensure legal and internal H&S standards are met
Act as the link between production, transport and the office
Work closely with commercial and logistics teams
Partner directly with the Founders on operational decisions

Requirements

Experience within food manufacturing, ideally chilled, in a supervisory, management or operational role
Strong understanding of food safety and quality systems (BRCGS, HACCP)
A confident people manager with a hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up approach
Organised, proactive and comfortable in a fast-moving environment
Practical mindset, including basic machinery troubleshooting
Good IT skills and openness to learning new systems
Ambition to grow with the business and take on more responsibility over time

What we offer

BONUS
Join a genuinely exciting start-up with big growth plans
Work directly with passionate Founders and influence key decisions
Clear progression opportunities as the business scales
A close-knit, supportive team where your contribution truly matters
Modern factory environment with a friendly, positive culture

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Operations Manager

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