Food Operations Manager

Job Description

About Us:

School Yard Kitchen is a growing food production company based in Kirkintilloch, specialising in handcrafted chilli sauces, jams, oils, and seasonings. With a strong focus on quality and flavour, we are passionate about bringing bold, innovative products to our customers.

About you:

As a community oriented business we are looking for people who can come and join our journey who share the same passion and enthusiasm for quality whilst also being interested in righting some of the wrongs in our world. 

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Food Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of our production facility. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing procurement, workflow, stock control, and team performance to ensure the efficient and safe production of our full product range.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procurement & Supply Chain Management
• Source and procure fresh and frozen ingredients to support production schedules.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure consistency of quality, cost, and delivery.
• Manage incoming deliveries and ensure all ingredients meet quality standards.
• Stock Control & Storage Optimisation
• Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels of raw materials and packaging.
• Implement systems for accurate stock tracking, rotation, and minimising waste.
• Maximise storage efficiency within limited space, ensuring proper organisation and compliance   with food safety standards.
• Workflow & Facility Management
• Plan and organise production schedules to meet demand efficiently.
• Optimise workspace layout and time management to maximise output safely.
• Ensure all production activities comply with health, safety, and hygiene standards.
• Ensure the logistics and dispatching of all orders are delivered on time and on budget.
• Team & Shift Management
• Line manage a small production team, including overseeing daily operations.
• Create and manage rotas, ensuring appropriate staffing levels across shifts.
• Provide training, supervision, and performance feedback to ensure a motivated and capable team.
• Oversee multiple production lines to minimise downtime and maximise efficiency.
• Act as the main liaison for coordinating orders and ensuring alignment with production programs.
• Develop and mentor team members across all functions including food preparation, food production, bottling, labelling, packing and dispatching
• Ensure regular communication with the sales team to allow for future production scheduling and development of new productions.
• Liaise with colleagues in Chocolate production to share resources and ensure all orders are fulfilled.
• Maintain overall responsibility for the warehousing of all stock and finished goods ensuring the storage environment is conducive to maintaining a premium product throughout the entire logistical process of producer to warehouse to customer
• Culinary Standards & Skills Transfer
• Apply professional kitchen skills including knife work, mise en place, and portion control to improve workflow consistency.
• Train and upskill the team in food preparation techniques, hygiene practices, and the safe use of equipment.
• Ensure repeatable, high-quality execution of recipes, including the preserving and pouring process, seasoning and flavour balancing.
• Maintain high culinary standards throughout production to align with the brand’s focus on quality and innovation.
• Requirements:
• Proven experience in a food production or kitchen management role, preferably involving fresh produce.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritise under pressure.
• Experience in procurement, stock control, and space/resource optimisation.
• Confident managing a small team, including rota planning and shift oversight.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Professional kitchen experience, with the ability to pass on culinary skills and ensure consistency in product preparation.

For informal enquiries about the job post, please contact our office