Operations Manager

Inspire Resourcing are recruiting a Head of Operations role on behalf of our client in Ilkeston. This is a great opportunity to join a growing startup with great opportunities for development:

Duties:

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide strong leadership and direction to both the Team Leader and the Logistics & Warehouse Team Leader, ensuring their teams perform efficiently and cohesively.

• Build, develop, and support both teams to achieve operational excellence across production and logistics functions.

• Implement clear KPIs and performance metrics for each area of responsibility, ensuring that business targets are met or exceeded.

• Create a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Act as a visible, hands-on leader who supports operational tasks when required.

• Recruit, train, and mentor staff to develop future leaders within the operational structure.

Food Production, Quality & Compliance

• Oversee all aspects of food production to ensure that all products meet the companies high standards for taste, quality, presentation, and consistency.

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant UK food safety and hygiene legislation, including HACCP and Safer Food Better Business (SFBB).

• Maintain and continually improve systems for allergen control, traceability, and temperature monitoring.

• Lead and document regular kitchen and hygiene audits, ensuring that standards are consistently maintained and improved.

• Collaborate with the Production Director and Product Manager on product innovation, costings, trials, and menu development.

• Monitor production efficiency, including “products per hour per person” KPIs, ensuring optimal use of labour and resources.

• Oversee kitchen stock management, ordering, and waste reduction to ensure best value and minimise losses.

Operations, Warehouse & Logistics

• Lead and coordinate all operational aspects of goods-in, stock management, warehousing, and daily dispatch.

• Ensure all delivery and collection operations are executed on time, safely, and in line with customer expectations.

• Oversee daily vehicle loading and logistics planning to meet business targets efficiently.

• Optimise systems such as Lolly and the Posh Nosh Production System to streamline workflow and improve operational visibility.

• Ensure compliance with all operational and transport-related legislation and best practice.

Fleet & Facilities Management

• Manage the entire company fleet, including servicing, MOTs, repairs, cleaning, and vehicle branding.

• Implement and maintain a proactive maintenance and vehicle replacement schedule to minimise downtime.

• Oversee all building maintenance, facilities, and utilities, ensuring the site is safe, efficient, and compliant with all H&S regulations.

• Maintain up-to-date records for all compliance, inspections, and remedial works.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure health and safety compliance across all areas of the business, including kitchen, warehouse, logistics, and facilities.

• Regularly review risk assessments, COSHH, and safe systems of work.

• Drive a proactive safety culture and ensure all staff receive the necessary training and support to work safely.

Operational Efficiency & Cost Control

• Develop, track, and manage KPIs and budgets across production and operations.

• Continuously review processes and implement improvements that enhance efficiency and reduce costs without compromising quality or service.

• Identify and deliver cost savings through labour planning, procurement, and operational efficiency.

• Provide regular reports and insights to the Managing Director on performance, compliance, and improvement opportunities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Operational Efficiency: Achievement of delivery and production targets daily.

• Productivity: Defined “products per hour per person” and operational output benchmarks.

• Food Quality: Consistent achievement of Posh Nosh product standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.

• Compliance: Zero critical non-conformances in audits (HACCP, SFBB, H&S).

• Fleet Uptime: Minimal vehicle downtime and compliance with maintenance schedules.

• Stock Accuracy: Minimal waste, optimal  rotation, and accurate inventory control.

• Cost Management: Meeting agreed operational and production budgets.

• Margin Improvement: Achievement of bonus-related profit and margin growth targets.

• Team Performance: Staff retention, engagement, and leadership development.