Operations Manager

Are you an experienced manufacturing leader looking for your next challenge in a fast-paced FMCG environment? Walker & Son Bakery is seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team at our busy Leicester manufacturing site. This is a pivotal role offering the opportunity to shape operational strategy, drive business transformation, and develop the future capability of the site. As a key member of the senior team and deputy to the Site Director, you will lead operational excellence across manufacturing, continuous improvement, and strategic transformation initiatives while ensuring the site is positioned for sustainable growth and long-term success.,

• Lead the delivery of the site's operational strategy, driving performance, productivity, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deputise for the Site Director and provide leadership across key operational functions and stakeholder groups.
• Drive major business transformation projects to improve safety, quality, service, cost, and sustainability performance.
• Develop future leadership capability through talent identification, succession planning, and coaching.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to support business growth, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.
  
  We believe success comes from collaboration and diverse perspectives. At Samworth Brothers, we value team players who are driven to achieve great results together. You'll bring the following skills and experience:
• Proven leader senior ship experience within a fast-paced FMCG or food manufacturing environment.
• Strong people leadership skills with experience managing large teams and developing future talent.
• Demonstrated success leading significant change, transformation, and continuous improvement programmes.
• Commercially astute with strong financial awareness and budget management experience.
• Able to influence at senior leadership level and lead effectively through change and ambiguity.
  
  Samworth Brothers is a fourth-generation family business, trusted by many of the UK's best-known retailers to produce high-quality own-label products. Alongside these, we're proud to craft and deliver our own iconic brands, including Ginsters, Soreen, Higgidy, Dickinson & Morris, Urban Eat, West Cornwall Pasty Company, and Walker & Son.
With over 10,000 talented colleagues working across our modern, well-invested food manufacturing sites nationwide, we're committed to excellence in everything we do-from the food we make to the careers we build. At Samworth Brothers, you're more than just an employee, you are part of our strong family culture. Our collaborative approach and strong team spirit help us support one another and achieve great things together. As part of a well-established group, we offer stability, opportunity, and a place where you can truly thrive. Ready to make a difference? Join us and be part of something special!

We're building a workplace where different ways of thinking are not just welcomed but supported, with clear communication, flexible processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement so everyone can thrive. Company pension scheme Access to health and well-being support, such as healthcare, optical and dental discounts Employee discount scheme Experience annual pay reviews Profit related pay Opportunity for extended leave Free on-site parking Unlock your potential through training and growth opportunities