Operations Shift Manager

Location: Ruskington

Working Hours - Monday to Friday - 14:00 - 23:00 (with flexibility)
Department: Operations
Reports to: Factory Manager

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and driven Operations Manager to lead our Operational teams at Ruskington.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for delivering operational performance developing high-performing teams and ensuring the site consistently meets its targets across safety quality service cost and people. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the operation driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of accountability engagement and excellence.

As a visible leader on site you will champion both Quality and Food Safety ensuring the highest standards are maintained at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead coach and develop a team of Managers to build capability and succession.
• Drive performance through clear objectives regular feedback and effective people management.
• Foster a positive high-performance culture focused on engagement accountability and teamwork.
• Ensure all employees are trained developed and equipped to succeed.
• Deliver site KPIs across safety quality cost delivery and efficiency.
• Lead resource capacity and labour planning to optimise operational performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all production areas.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity reduce waste and maximise profitability.
• Act as a visible ambassador for Quality and Food Safety.
• Ensure production areas remain audit-ready and compliant at all times.
• Lead investigations into quality and food safety issues using root cause analysis.
• Support customer audits technical visits HACCP activities and continuous improvement programmes.
• Champion a culture where Safety is a Condition.
• Drive improvements in safety performance and environmental awareness.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation standards and company policies.
• Work closely with teams across Engineering Technical HR Finance Supply Chain Sales and Operations.
• Support customer relationships and site visits showcasing operational excellence.
• Participate in key site leadership meetings to drive alignment and business results.

What Were Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior operations or production leadership role within FMCG or food manufacturing
• Strong track record of delivering operational KPIs and driving continuous improvement
• Experience leading and developing large teams in a fast-paced environment
• Strong commercial awareness including budgeting labour management and cost control
• Excellent communication coaching and stakeholder management skills
• Experience with lean manufacturing 5S and change management programmes

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent
• Food Safety qualification
• IOSH Managing Safely
• HACCP
• TACCP

Why Join Us

• Take on a highly visible leadership role with real influence over site performance.
• Lead large-scale operational and cultural improvement initiatives.
• Be part of a business committed to quality food safety and operational excellence.
• Develop and mentor future leaders while growing your own career.
• Work within a supportive leadership team focused on achieving ambitious goals.
• Join a business where your ideas expertise and leadership can make a lasting impact.

Ready to Lead from the Front

If youre an experienced Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about developing people driving performance and delivering results wed love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of operations at Ruskington.

Pilgrims Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland including Fridge Raiders Rollover Denny Richmond Oakhouse and Moy Park alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork lamb and chicken working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.

Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals snacking ranges added value and food service products.

Across Pilgrims Europe we combine 20000 of the best people in the industry united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality most delicious and innovative food which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrims Europe team are based in our Pilgrims UK Moy Park Pilgrims Food Masters and Pilgrims Shared Services businesses.