Manufacturing Operations Manager – UK’s No.1 Soap FMCG. Hybrid – 19383 Ref: 19383

Recruitment Revolution; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000

Job description

The ‘Bar is Back’ and we need your knowledge, expertise & drive to help us scale production from 20 million to 70 million bars per year to meet demand. At Soapworks, we create high-quality, sustainable soap products for global brands, and we need a sharp, hands-on Operations Manager to keep everything flowing smoothly. From optimising production to driving efficiency and leading a great team, you’ll be at the heart of our fast-paced, high-performing environment. If you’re passionate about people, the planet, processes, and making a real impact, this is your chance to step into a role where no two days are the same.

If you’re an experienced FMCG Operations Manager, ideally from food or personal care, this is your next opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing production function - all from one facility. No endless site-hopping, no divided focus - just the chance to make a real impact in a single, world-class operation.

At Soapworks, we don’t just manufacture soap: we produce various forms of hair and body cleansers as well as filling aromatic oils. As Operations Manager, you’ll be at the heart of it all—driving performance, innovation, and growth, while leading a passionate team to even greater success.

The Role at a Glance:

Operations Manager
Glasgow / Remote Working Fridays for all Admin / Some Travel May Be Occasionally Required Within the UK and Abroad
Competitive Market Salary Plus Excellent Benefits Package Including Pension, Income Protection Benefit, Access to Help@Hand (EAP, GP and Physio Services), Death in Service 3x Annual Salary and More…

Department: Production Operations
Reporting to: Managing Director
Supervising: All Production Staff
Full Time - Permanent
Values: Ethical, Sustainable, Trusted
Company: UKs Largest Bar Soap Manufacturer with a global customer base
Who’s products Featured In: British Vogue, GLAMOUR, Elle, GQ, Beauty Bay, Stylist Magazine, HELLO! And More…

Your Background / Skills:

Operation Management, Team Leadership / Mentoring, FMCG Manufacturing Operations, Continuous Improvement Methodologies.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Champion Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality, ensuring compliance and best practices.
2. Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute strategic plans for operational success.
3. Drive performance through KPI monitoring, resource management, and cost control.
4. Oversee production efficiency, meeting customer expectations on quality and delivery.
5. Lead continuous improvement initiatives, using data-driven insights to optimise processes.
6. Inspire, lead, and develop teams, ensuring the right skills, training, and motivation.
7. Manage communication across production teams and stakeholders for seamless operations.
8. Identify and implement capital investment projects to drive business growth.

Your Experience:

1. Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline
2. Lean Six Sigma – green belt (minimum)
3. Have IOSH or an equivalent Managing Safely qualification
4. Exceptional leadership qualities with a track record in motivating and developing teams within a FMCG environment
5. Excellent understanding of manufacturing operations, process improvement, waste elimination, change management and quality standards/systems/processes
6. Experienced in change management and Continuous Improvement methodologies
7. Experience of working in a GMP manufacturing environment
8. IT literate – Office 365, ERP
9. Experience of effectively managing projects from concept through to completion
10. A full clean driving license is desirable but not essential

Your Skills:

1. An engaging, positive and strong leader with a ‘can do’ mentality and who can solve problems
2. Comfortable with change and ambiguity and able to prioritise effectively
3. Attention to detail in delivery
4. Excellent critical thinking and problem solving
5. Able to communicate effectively at all levels
6. Sound communication and influencing skills
7. Commercially astute with the ability to understand and act upon performance and financial data
8. Take personal pride in your own success and that of your teams and the organisation as a whole.

What’s on Offer:

1. Competitive Market Salary
2. 4-weekly pay cycle
3. 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays rising with service
4. Pension
5. Death in Service benefit of 3x basic salary
6. Income Protection Benefit after 1 year in role
7. Access to Help@Hand who provide EAP, GP & Physio services. They also provide information on health, family, money & work, as well as discounts with various retailers.

Sounds like a good fit? Apply here for a fast-track path to our Leadership Team.