Job Description

Company Overview

Thrive believes cleaning can be smarter, safer, and better for the planet.

We develop innovative, science-backed biological solutions to tackle the challenges of human-made pollution. Our groundbreaking products transform how people clean, delivering exceptional performance without compromise. By setting new standards in sustainability, we empower businesses to reduce waste, improve efficiency, stay compliant, and shrink their carbon footprint - all while supporting the regeneration of our planet's ecosystems.

Biotech that cleans, clears & restores

Job Summary

We're looking for an experienced, hands-on Operations Manager to oversee daily operational activities, optimise processes and scale our operations function.

This role leads the day-to-day operations of a growing sustainable manufacturing business, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable production and fulfilment. It embeds operational discipline, standard work, and continuous improvement to protect product quality, regulatory compliance, and on time delivery. The Operations Manager is accountable for scaling operations responsibly, driving OTIF, capital efficiency, non-conformance, and data led KPIs while supporting the company's sustainability and growth ambitions.

Core Responsibilities

Inventory management Order fulfilment / OTIF Supply chain / logistics / goods in and out Supplier management / lead time management Define and manage OKRs, KPIS & budgets ERP & WMS - operational software SOP documentation Process efficiencies & optimisation Support and lead staff, training etc. Monthly reporting, alignment with budgets Warehouse management / resource allocation

Role Accountabilities:

Oversee daily operations including order fulfilment, inventory management, purchasing, and supply chain in collaboration with the Production department Implement operational software / ERP to enable order management, inventory controls, etc. Determine and implement required quality and regulatory standards Determine, document and implement procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs Ensure compliance with industry regulations and quality standards Manage operational budgets and allocate resources efficiently across departments Coordinate with vendors and suppliers as necessary to ensure quality service delivery Monitor operational KPIs and prepare regular performance reports for the Director, Product Identify and mitigate operational risks that could impact business continuity

Person Specification

Calm, resilient, and dependable:

Remains composed under pressure and provides stability during change or uncertainty.

Highly structured and systems-oriented:

Thinks in processes and workflows, turning complexity into clear, repeatable operations.

Commercially aware with strong attention to detail:

Balances operational rigour with cost, margin, and cashflow considerations.

Proactively accountable and ownership-driven

: Takes responsibility, anticipates risks, and acts without the need for escalation.

Values-led and compliance-minded:

Aligned with Thrive's sustainability, HSSE, and ethical standards.

Clear, pragmatic communicator:

Communicates clearly and early, able to challenge constructively and align teams.

Essential Experience and Skills:

Proven experience in an operations manager or senior operations role Experience with systems implementation or improvements including/not limited to ERP, WMS (Warehouse Management Software), Inventory management software etc. Comfortable working in a hands-on, evolving SME environment Strong interpersonal and communication skills Ideally experienced working in line with / creating annual budgets and forecasts as well as identifying and implementing operations efficiencies

Desirable Skills and Experience:

Experience in regulated manufacturing or chemicals-adjacent sectors:

Background in detergents, chemicals, biotech, FMCG, or similar regulated environments

.

Proven operational scaling experience:

Experience stabilising and scaling operations in an SME or scale-up environment.

Strong supplier and contract management capability:

Hands-on experience managing manufacturers, suppliers, logistics partners, and service providers.

Quality, compliance, and certification exposure:

Practical experience with ISO standards (e.g. 9001, 14001, 45001), HSSE, audits, and SOPs.

Operational systems and data literacy:

Comfortable using ERP, inventory systems, forecasting tools, dashboards, and spreadsheets.

Cross-functional leadership experience:

Experience working closely with Sales, Product, Finance, and Leadership teams

Qualifications

Not a requirement but desirable:

Professional operations or supply chain qualification:

CIPS, ILM, APICS / CPIM, or equivalent practical certification demonstrating structured operational competence.

Regulatory or compliance-related training:

Exposure to chemical safety, detergents regulation, COSHH, REACH/CLP, or equivalent compliance frameworks relevant to manufacturing and distribution.

Quality, environmental, or safety management training:

Formal training or certification related to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, HSSE, or risk management frameworks.

Company Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Free On-site Parking Company Pension Group Life cover and Critical Illness cover Retail Discount Scheme Gym Discounts Employee Assistance Programme Private Medical Cover (on completion of probation)

To apply

, please submit your

CV

and a brief

cover letter

explaining why you would be a good fit for this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we will contact candidates of interest as they are received.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 45,000.00-55,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

Morecambe: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person