Operations Manager (6-month FTC)

About the Company:

Van Hessen is the leading global player in the harvesting, processing and distribution of natural casings, meat products, and raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Thanks to the worldwide operation of gut rooms inside slaughterhouses, we are able to operate closely to the source and secure a constant flow of raw materials for our customers. Controlling and supervising all steps in the supply chain enables us to ensure the quality of our products and services.

About The Role:

The Operations Manager will join on an initial 6 month FTC and will oversee all production activities and planning within the Sunderland Production facility. You will organise, improve and direct the production and/or logistics in line with the set requirements of production time, quality and costs. The Sunderland site is a relatively small operation, so the successful candidate will be expected to adopt a proactive and hands-on approach to the role.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and manage the realisation of the lead/delivery times and budget.
• Follow up incidents and complaints, investigate causes and advise on improvement.
• Ensure complete administration, invoice control and timely reporting.
• Ensure effective employee training is conducted as and when required.
• Ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all employees.
• Supervise and coach employees.
• Conduct complex tasks that require vision and abstract thinking.
• Manage maintenance and HR costs versus budget/target.
• Look at processing methods to improve the quality of products produced.
• Highlight production issues and escalate if necessary.
• Project Management ensuring operationally, we are well prepared for new tasks.
• Reviews production orders and plans production operations.
• Coordinates production activities to ensure product safety, legality, quality, and customer specifications are achieved on time.
• Maintenance of building and machines.
• Maintain and develop the food safety & quality management system in line with BRC Global Standard for Food Safety certification requirements.
• Maintain the company HACCP procedures and supporting documentation.
• Maintain the company health and safety system.

About You:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in production/warehouse
• Minimum of 2 years in a management position.
• Forklift licence (essential)
• Familiarity with HACCP systems, qualification desirable.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Quality awareness
• Organised and logical approach to work in a sometimes fast-paced environment with the ability to think laterally.
• Self-motivated, flexible and confident
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to communicate at all levels effectively and build good interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers.
• Experience of current MS Office Applications.
• Experience of JDE would be advantageous.
• Accepts changes and consequently challenges positively.
• Decisiveness

What’s Next:

Please apply now with a copy of your CV.

Please note this is a Direct Search led by Van Hessen. Applications from agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.

Equality and diversity at Van Hessen / SARIA's group of companies:

• We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive working environment in which all employees are respected and supported regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or social background. We expressly welcome applications from people with a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Our goal is to ensure equal opportunities and actively combat discrimination – both in the application process and in everyday working life.