Area Operations Manager (Food Manufacturing)

Location: Wrexham
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £45k DOE

The shift pattern for this role is Monday-Friday, 9-5.

We are recruiting on behalf of one of our valued clients — a specialist manufacturer of award-winning dairy products. We are supporting our client with the search for a highly capable Area Operations Manager to lead factory performance and operational excellence.

The Opportunity

This is a key site leadership role, responsible for driving operational delivery, people performance, safety, and production efficiency across specific manufacturing areas within a fast-paced dairy processing environment. You'll lead teams to deliver high standards in quality, safety, and output, while fostering a high-performance culture.

Key Responsibilities

*

Lead, motivate, and develop multi-disciplinary operational teams.

*

Drive performance across safety, manufacturing efficiency, waste reduction, and product quality.

*

Ensure daily production schedules are achieved on time and to specification.

*

Collaborate closely with Technical, Engineering, Supply Chain, and NPD teams.

*

Implement and sustain Continuous Improvement and Lean practices.

*

Develop competency, training, and succession planning across the area.

*

Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards.

*

Champion operational excellence through data, coaching, and team engagement.

About You

*

Proven experience in Operations or Production Management within food manufacturing (dairy strongly preferred).

*

Strong leadership with the ability to influence, coach, and motivate teams.

*

Sound understanding of food safety, hygiene, and GMP.

*

Excellent communication skills and a proactive, hands-on management style.

*

Able to deliver measurable results through people and process improvements.

*

Experience with Continuous Improvement, Lean, or similar methodologies