Operations Manager
Prima International · Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tailor my CV for this job — freeOperations Manager – Frozen Bakery Manufacturing
The role requires strong technical knowledge of industrial bakery manufacturing, frozen product handling, automated production lines, and continuous improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesLead daily factory operations, coordinating production, maintenance, sanitation, and warehouse activities in close collaboration with Quality Assurance and Supply Chain.Develop and execute production plans aligned with sales forecasts, customer orders, available capacity, and inventory requirements.Oversee frozen bakery manufacturing processes, including mixing, dough preparation, lamination, forming, proofing or baking where applicable, freezing, and packaging.Maintain process controls for dough temperature, fermentation, product weight, freezing conditions, and finished product consistency.Ensure appropriate frozen storage and handling practices to preserve product quality and cold-chain integrity.Optimize production line performance, labor utilization, material yield, and equipment availability while reducing waste, downtime, and changeover losses.Manage operating budgets and monitor labor, overtime, materials, utilities, and other controllable manufacturing costs.Work with the Maintenance team to prioritize preventive maintenance, resolve recurring breakdowns, and improve equipment reliability.Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, food safety, hygiene, allergen control, traceability, and occupational safety requirements in coordination with Quality Assurance.Support audits, investigations, and corrective actions relating to operational performance, product quality, and food safety.Lead production trials, new product introductions, equipment commissioning, and capacity expansion projects in collaboration with relevant teams.Recruit, coach, and develop supervisors and operational staff, establishing clear accountability, training plans, and performance expectations.Track and report operational KPIs, including production output, schedule adherence, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), waste, yield, labor productivity, and manufacturing cost.Drive continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and Lean manufacturing principles.Qualifications and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or a related discipline; equivalent substantial industry experience may also be considered.At least 8 years of relevant manufacturing experience, including 3–5 years in a production or operations management role within an industrial bakery environment.Hands-on experience in frozen bakery manufacturing is essential, preferably covering croissants, laminated dough, pastries, and other frozen dough or bakery products.Proven experience managing automated bakery production lines and multi-shift manufacturing teams.Strong understanding of dough processing, lamination, freezing technology, packaging, and frozen product storage.Demonstrated success improving productivity, reducing manufacturing costs and waste, and maintaining consistent product quality.Practical knowledge of HACCP, GMP, food safety management systems, and factory hygiene controls.Experience in production planning, budgeting, inventory control, and ERP or manufacturing management systems.Experience with Rademaker, Lawrence, or comparable industrial bakery production lines is an advantage.Experience in factory start-ups, production line commissioning, or operational expansion is preferred.Strong English communication skills; Arabic is an advantage.Key CompetenciesLeadership and development of multicultural teams.Strong planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Effective coordination across departments.Commercial awareness and cost control.Commitment to food safety, product quality, and workplace safety.Ability to manage operational priorities and support shift or weekend requirements when necessary.