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Posted 20 July, 2026

Operations Manager

Stirling Ellis
Gatwick, ENG, GB Full Time

Job Description

Overview International airline catering business require experienced Operations Manager to oversee food production and distribution for a 24 hour facility based on-site at Gatwick. The jobholder will be tasked with developing and enhancing relationships with key international customers and to drive the strategic development of operational standards & efficiencies within the business. About the role: The Operations manager will be responsible for overseeing a large, labour intensive food manufacturing operation encompassing; the placing of supplier orders, managing food production and ensuring on-time customer delivery. Always working to strict deadlines. Key duties include: * Lead and develop food production teams totalling over 300 employees, for a 24 hour operation, across 3 shifts. * Minimising wastage and ensuring strict quality standards in line with agreed business objectives. * Define measurable performance KPIs to ensure customer satisfaction through high quality and on time delivery. * Undertake responsibility for monthly profit & loss, maximising revenue, controlling production & supply chain costs and effective asset management. * Manage the ongoing transformation into the digitalisation and automation of operations * Ensure adherence to QHSE standards and ensure good practice is embedded across the site. * Perform a continued review of customer menu cycles and ensure product changes are seamlessly implemented. * Constant review of the company pricing structure and impact on profitability. * Delivery of all services in accordance with customer contractual requirements (On Time Performance). * Management of people behaviours through maintaining strong morale within the unit. * Responsible for the annual business plan and ensuring clear objectives are set within the wider team. * Promote and drive Continuous Improvements. * Ensure adherence to contractual requirements for all customer and supplier contracts. * Maintaining a customer focus throughout all commercial and operational matters. About the Operations Manager * You will have have a proven track record leading production and supply chain operations ideally within a food production, FMCG or catering business * The Operations Manager will be highly driven, forward thinking individual with a mindset of continuous improvement * Applicants will have knowledge of Lean process improvements and change management. * The jobholder will be a confident man-manager, a proven leader with the ability to delegate and reward employees. What's on offer * On-site position * 25 days holiday * Annual bonus * Free meals * Company pension * Free parking