Job description

Job Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all manufacturing, packing, quality, maintenance, safety, and facility operations to ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety, efficiency, cost control, and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will ensure the factory operates safely, efficiently, and profitably while driving continuous improvement initiatives, reducing waste, and developing high-performing teams. The role has overall accountability for factory performance, while department managers oversee the day-to-day execution of their respective functions.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Plan and oversee daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
• Ensure production targets are achieved in line with demand forecasts.
• Monitor production output, efficiency, and overall factory performance.
• Maximize utilization of manpower, equipment, and production resources.
• Balance workloads across production and packing operations.
• Resolve production bottlenecks and operational issues promptly.
• Monitor production KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure effective manpower planning and allocation.
• Coordinate production priorities with Sales and Supply Chain teams.
• Review and approve production plans before implementation.

Quality Management

• Oversee implementation of quality control procedures and inspection plans.
• Review quality reports, customer complaints, and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
• Lead internal and external quality audits.
• Monitor quality KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure product traceability and recall procedures are maintained.
• Foster a culture of quality and food safety throughout the organization.

Maintenance & Facility Management

• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Ensure production equipment remains operational with minimal downtime.
• Monitor equipment performance, maintenance KPIs, and reliability.
• Oversee the management of electrical, mechanical, HVAC, compressed air, water systems, and other utilities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Prioritize maintenance activities based on production needs.
• Monitor contractor performance for outsourced maintenance services.

Leadership & Operations Management

• Establish departmental objectives and operational KPIs.
• Lead and mentor department managers and supervisors.
• Conduct regular operational review meetings.
• Evaluate factory performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration across departments.
• Manage workforce planning and resource allocation.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline.
• Additional certifications in Operations, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Food Safety are advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of operations or manufacturing experience, including at least 4 years in a leadership or managerial position.
• Minimum 4 years of experience within the GCC.
• Proven experience managing food manufacturing or FMCG production facilities.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, quality management, maintenance, and supply chain coordination.
• Experience working in customer-focused manufacturing environments. 

Skills

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of operations or manufacturing experience, including at least 4 years in a leadership or managerial position.
• Minimum 4 years of experience within the GCC.
• Proven experience managing food manufacturing or FMCG production facilities.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, quality management, maintenance, and supply chain coordination.
• Experience working in customer-focused manufacturing environments.