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.
