Senior Production Manager/Trainee Operations Manager

Company: VickerStock
Apply for the Senior Production Manager/Trainee Operations Manager
Location: Newtownards
Job Description:

Senior Production Manager/Trainee Operations Manager

County Down

Vickerstock are partnering an established and growing food production business who are seeking to appoint an ambitious Senior Production Manager/Trainee Operations Manager to join its leadership team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to develop a long-term career in operations management within a fast-paced food production environment. Working closely with senior management, you will gain exposure to all aspects of production, packing, quality, compliance and people management, with a structured pathway towards increased operational responsibility.

This role has been designed to develop future operational leaders. You will work alongside experienced managers to gain a detailed understanding of production processes, customer requirements and operational excellence while building the leadership skills required to progress within the business.

What’s on offer

  • Salary: negotiable depending on experience
  • Day shift working pattern, Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 4:30pm, every other Sat 7.00am-11.15am (1/2 day off in lieu)
  • A structured development opportunity within a growing business
  • Direct exposure to senior leadership and operational decision-making
  • Long-term career progression opportunities
  • Hands-on experience across production, quality, compliance and people management
  • The opportunity to develop into a future operational leadership position

Your day to day

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of production and packing operations within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment
  • Support the day-to-day running of the facility, ensuring production plans are delivered efficiently and effectively
  • Monitor operational performance, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, quality and output
  • Promote high standards of hygiene, housekeeping and operational best practice across the site
  • Assist with workforce planning and resource allocation to meet changing production demands
  • Help ensure compliance with food safety, customer, audit and industry standards at all times
  • Maintain accurate production, quality and operational records to support compliance and traceability requirements
  • Support the safe operation of equipment, reporting maintenance issues and helping minimise downtime
  • Work closely with Supervisors, Team Leaders and Management to deliver daily operational objectives
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing waste and improving overall site performance

Your essential ingredients:

  • Previous experience leading teams within a fast-paced production environment
  • Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • A proactive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Commercial awareness and an interest in food production, agriculture or manufacturing
  • The ability to build positive working relationships across all levels of the business
  • Access to your own transport and availability to commence work from 6:30am

And even better if you have (although not a deal breaker):

  • Qualification in Agriculture, Food Production, Operations Management or a related discipline
  • Level 3 Food Hygiene/Health & Safety qualification
  • Forklift licence
  • Experience within agricultural operations, farm management or food production environments
  • Knowledge of food safety systems, industry accreditation standards including BRC and Red Tractor
  • Forklift licence

Your next step… To find out more about this opportunity and a more detailed job description alongside responsibilities and requirements contact Paul Muir in complete confidence. T

If this opportunity doesn’t quite hit the mark, let’s get a chat and see how I can help grow your career.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL LIST OF OUR CURRENT VACANCIES.

Skills:Production Manager Operations Manager Food Safety Production Planning People Management

WHJS1_NI

Posted: June 4th, 2026