About The Business
Dewlay Cheesemakers is a third-generation family run cheesemaking business based in Garstang, Lancashire. The Company produces and packs a range of Award-winning cheeses from its “ Best in Class ” facility for a range of UK and oversees customers. To meet further business growth, we are now looking to further add to our leadership team with the recruitment of an Operations Manager .
The Role
Dewlay Cheesemakers are seeking a skilled and experienced Operations Manager to join our dynamic team to lead and steer all things production. You will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence within the manufacturing and packing process, ensuring production targets and customer needs are consistently met. Reporting directly into the Managing Director, you will form a key part of the senior team, helping shape and influence an innovative family run business built on a strong family culture.
As Operations Manager you will have a natural ability to make sound logical decisions supporting the needs of the customer and manufacturing operations. Working cross-functionally, you’ll be naturally hands on, and want to get stuck in with strong people management skills. You will have experience working in a food manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of delivering results. Dairy industry experience is advantageous but not essential.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
* Oversee and manage the production and packing operations to meet customer service levels ensuring maximum efficiency and profitability.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement by actively identifying opportunities for operational enhancement within the sites cheese production and packing facility.
* Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of production managers and supervisors, fostering a culture of quality excellence and right first time.
* Efficiently manage resources, including raw materials, manpower and equipment to meet production goals and quality targets while controlling costs.
* Implement best practice and enhance production efficiency, yield and product quality.
* Ensure strict adherence to all relevant health and safety and environmental regulations, and champion sustainability initiatives within the production process.
* Carry out trials and R&D across the cheese manufacturing and packing process.
* Champion packing innovation – developing concepts to show new packaging formats, materials and technologies, whilst supporting the site with technical packaging challenges.
What you’ll bring to the role
* Previous experience in operational management is essential.
* Excellent “hands-on leadership skills” with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
* Manage internal and external stakeholders.
* Process orientated with the ability to identify, resolve, and escalate problems where necessary.
* Be results driven and commercially minded.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Knowledge of quality assurance standards, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
* Commitment to driving industry-leading performance.
Package
Competitive remuneration package and benefits, which is reflective of this full-time senior role.