Area Manager

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The Role

You will be responsible for managing production and packing operations at the Livingston site, ensuring efficient performance, strong team leadership, and full delivery of operational targets. This role focuses on driving continuous improvement, maintaining high standards of food safety and quality, and supporting a positive culture aligned with Sofina's values. You will act as a trusted advisor to the Head of Operations and site leadership team, providing guidance on all operational matters.

The Ideal Candidate

• NEBOSH Certificate (desirable)
• Level 3 Food Hygiene (or equivalent)
• HACCP Level 3 (or equivalent)
• Extensive experience in production & packing leadership, ideally within FMCG
• Experience of BRC audit standards and maintaining audit readiness
• Experience in chilled fish manufacturing (desirable)
• Strong communication, influencing, and leadership skills
• Confident decision-maker with strong prioritisation skills
• Competent user of Microsoft Office
• Resilient, determined, and driven with excellent organisational skills
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and people development ability
• Able to challenge, give feedback, and lead change
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail

Why Sofina Foods?

• Competitive Salary
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Free Onsite Parking
• DigiCare+

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop your team to deliver excellent operational performance.
• Promote Sofina's company values (Integrity, Respect & Accountability) and support a positive workplace culture.
• Lead the CI agenda in your area, challenging all processes to drive improvements.
• Use departmental KPIs to prioritise production and packing schedules, ensuring delivery of production goals.
• Partner with Operations leadership to resolve issues and maximise site efficiencies.
• Own crew planning for your area, including absence and holiday management.
• Work closely with HR & L&D to ensure robust onboarding, training, and talent development.
• Manage employee relations including absence, conduct, and performance issues.
• Drive employee engagement plans and support recognition programmes.
• Manage the PDR process to build a culture of development and accountability.
• Ensure audit readiness and deliver strong results across quality and safety metrics.
• Ensure food safety, legality, and product quality across your area.
• Champion Health, Safety & Environment standards, role modelling safe behaviours.
• Ensure machinery is efficient, safe, and compliant.
• Deliver continuous improvement across systems, processes, and team capability.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Summary

Lead production, packing, and distribution operations to deliver exceptional performance, drive continuous improvement, and champion a positive workplace culture at the Livingston site.