Operations Manager – Poole Bakery

Factory Operations Manager – Chilled Food Manufacturing

Poole, Dorset

The Compleat Food Group are innovative leaders in the UK chilled food manufacturing industry, our commitment to excellence drives everything we do. We aim to raise the bar in customer satisfaction and deliver exceptional quality results every day by embracing diversity, inclusivity, and respect within our teams.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead one of our largest manufacturing sites "Poole Bakery", overseeing the complete 24/7 manufacturing operation. This role is pivotal in ensuring our savoury pastry products meet the highest standards of quality and service on time, every time while achieving budgeted profit levels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Manage and coordinate the operation of our Factory to deliver on budgeted profit levels and customer satisfaction.
• Financial Management: Set overhead budgets, monitor performance against these budgets, and ensure accurate forecasting.
• Operational Excellence: Drive a culture of continuous improvement to enhance profitability, service, and quality standards.
• Product Development: Liaise with the Process/Product development teams on product and process plans, ensuring manufacturing ownership in the introduction of new products.
• Team Development: Appraise, coach, and develop managers to meet business succession plans and individual career aspirations.
• Customer Engagement: Maintain regular contact with customers to build confidence in our team and business (including hosting customer and supplier visits)
• Project Management: Plan and oversee capital expenditure, equipment sourcing, and installation, ensuring financial benefits are delivered as forecasted.

Who we are looking for :

• Experience:
  • 10+ years in food manufacturing, ideally within a short-life, chilled high-care retailer brand.
  • Expertise in Change Management, Financial P&L, Budgeting, HR Practices, and Supply Chain.
  • Desirable: Experience in Customer/Commercial management of Top 5 Retailers.
• Technical Skills: 

Knowledge of chilled food manufacturing practices and processes, food safety, technical processes, and project management.

• Formal Qualifications: 

Degree in a food-related field is required; management qualifications are desirable.

• Leadership Skills: 

Strong coaching abilities with experience in training/mentoring, succession planning and recruitment.

Why Apply – What is in it for you?

At The Compleat Food Group, we pride ourselves on investing in our people and ensuring opportunity for them to progress their careers with us. You will be supported and given expert advice and training from some of the most experienced professionals within the UK Food Manufacturing industry.

We promote an inclusive culture, where all colleagues feel safe, supported, and valued. We know that diversity drives excellence, and we are committed to fairness, equity, inclusivity, and respect in everything we do.

You’ll be managing a large dynamic team that operate 24/7 that take decisive actions and delivers on our commitments, driving positive change in the chilled food industry.

Excellent salary and benefit package available for a role of this size:

• 33 Days annual leave
• 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year
• Online and High-street retailer discount scheme 
• Employee well-being and community support groups
• Informal and Formal training opportunities with personalised online LMS platform
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)
• Physical Wellbeing Benefits – Free on demand exercise hub and various gym discounts.
• Online Wellbeing benefits
• Paid Annual HRT Prescription Fee
• Free Financial wellbeing – mortgage calculators, budget tools, financial aid tools
• Holiday Discounts via Online Retail Discount

The Compleat Food Group are proud to have built  an inclusive and respectful culture where our colleagues feel safe, supported and valued. A place where they can bring their whole selves to work to achieve exceptional results and thrive.

We continue to attract diverse talent into our teams, because we know greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect in all that we do. 

Recruitment Agencies We have an active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies.

Ready to Apply?
 If you are a passionate leader with the expertise to drive operational excellence and feel ready to take your next step in our fast growing business please forward your CV with a short covering letter explaining why you think you are the right candidate for this role.