Job Description

GB Salads Ltd

JOB TITLE:

Site Operations Lead

REPORTS TO:

General Manager

LOCATION:

Croydon

DEPARTMENT:

Operations

ROLE PURPOSE

The Site Operations Lead is responsible for the overall operational performance and compliance of GB Salads Ltd. This role provides strong leadership across production, hygiene, and logistics, ensuring that all operations meet BRCGS, HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP standards.

The Site Operations Lead will guide and support the Factory Manager (Trainee) and site teams in delivering consistent performance, maintaining high care integrity, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen efficiency, safety, and compliance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operational Leadership

? Oversee daily factory operations across intake, high-care, packing, and dispatch.

? Manage production planning, line performance, and labour deployment to achieve daily output targets.

? Monitor yield, waste, and downtime data to implement improvements that drive efficiency.

? Support and mentor the Factory Manager (Trainee) in developing management skills and decision-making capability.

? Lead daily operational briefings, ensuring clear communication of priorities and targets.

2. Food Safety, Compliance & Audit Readiness

? Ensure operational compliance with BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 and all statutory requirements.

? Work closely with the QMS Manager to maintain full audit readiness across hygiene, documentation, and process controls.

? Verify the completion and accuracy of production, hygiene, and traceability records.

? Lead site-level preparation for customer, third-party, and internal audits.

? Oversee site corrective actions and ensure timely closure and verification.

3. HACCP, TACCP & VACCP Oversight

? Ensure HACCP plans are fully implemented and reflected in operational practices.

? Conduct regular HACCP verification checks and promptly escalate any deviations.

? Participate in TACCP/VACCP risk assessments, ensuring controls are maintained and communicated to operational teams.

? Support periodic reviews and updates to site risk assessments in collaboration with the Technical Team.

4. Hygiene & Environmental Control

? Oversee hygiene operations, ensuring schedules are completed and verified on a daily basis.

? Ensure cleaning validations, environmental swabs, and micro-testing are maintained to specification.

? Work collaboratively with Quality Assurance Manager (Trainee) and Hygiene teams to maintain high-care zoning standards and prevent cross-contamination.

5. People & Development

? Provide leadership and mentorship to the Factory Manager (Trainee), Factory Supervisor (Trainee), and operational staff.

? Drive engagement, training, and development through on-the-job coaching and structured feedback.

? Ensure consistent application of company policies on attendance, performance, and conduct.

? Champion a positive, safety-first culture throughout the site.

6. Continuous Improvement & Systems

? Identify process bottlenecks and implement practical improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.

? Work with the QMS Manager to align documentation and operational workflows.

? Develop KPIs for production efficiency, yield, downtime, hygiene, and compliance.

? Support digitalisation and automation initiatives (e.g., SafetyCulture, digital checklists).

? Participate in management meetings and provide data-driven updates on operational performance.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

? Proven experience in food manufacturing or high-care environments.

? Strong understanding of BRCGS Food Safety, HACCP, TACCP/VACCP, and UK Food Safety legislation.

? Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams across departments.

? Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

? Strong knowledge of hygiene standards, traceability, and factory documentation.

? Proficient in MS Office and digital management systems (e.g., SafetyCulture, SharePoint, Excel).

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE (Desired)

? Minimum 5 years' experience in food production or operational management.

? Food Safety & Hygiene Level 3 (minimum).

? HACCP Level 3 certification.

? Internal Auditing or Lead Auditor qualification (desirable).

? Strong track record in managing teams and delivering measurable improvements.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

? 100% completion and sign-off of operational and hygiene documentation.

? Zero critical or significant non-conformances at audit.

? ? 95% compliance with hygiene and housekeeping standards.

? ? 90% adherence to production efficiency and yield targets.

? Timely closure of all corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).

? Demonstrable improvement in Factory Manager performance and capability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 40,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person