Graduate Operations Coordinator

Working with 2 Operations Managers, this person will own the day-to-day performance of warehouse and production operations, using data and process scrutinisation to keep the site running safely, efficiently, and consistently - while hitting the service levels customers expect.

This is a hands-on, metrics-driven role, accountable for line efficiency, throughput, and cost control across production, fulfilment, quality, food safety, and health & safety. Working closely with Engineering, Supply Chain and Continuous Improvement, this role digs into root causes, resolves issues fast, and builds systems and standard work that make improvements stick.

Working Schedule: Sunday - Thursday 9am-6pm, with occasional cover on other days.

We're looking for someone who's genuinely energised by operational excellence,  the kind of person who can't walk past a line without mentally calculating throughput, who tracks their own KPIs for fun, and who'd rather fix the process than firefight the same problem twice. A visible leader on the shop floor, the Graduate Operations Coordinator develops people, removes barriers to flow, and builds a culture of accountability, disciplined record-keeping, and continuous improvement.

Operations & Safety

• Own daily production delivery and daily cross-functional reviews (Production, Engineering, Technical, Supply Chain, CS); ensure peak readiness.

• Process production files and system data accurately and on time; maintain accurate operational records and documentation.

• Lead safety culture, SOPs, hazard/risk resolution, and incident investigations through to corrective action; maintain GMP/hygiene standards.

Performance & Improvement

• Own line efficiency, throughput, and accuracy as tracked KPIs; drive productivity and remove bottlenecks.

• Lead process, layout, and change-management improvements; drive floor-level CI (5S, RCAs) with the CI Lead.

Warehouse & Engineering

• Own warehouse standards, stock accuracy, and pick performance.

• Coordinate maintenance planning with Engineering; maintain PTW and contractor/visitor records; close audit actions (maintenance, GMP, hygiene, pest control); support foreign body investigations, traceability, and mock recalls.

Financial & People

• Own cost reporting and budget administration; track and log labour/agency/overtime spend; support capex planning with data.

• Lead, coach, and develop teams; maintain training records, skills matrices, PDPs, and succession plans; support recruitment/onboarding admin.

Reporting & Admin

• Produce clear KPI and cost reporting; maintain up-to-date SOPs, logs, and compliance records.

• Escalate risks early; track and close out audit, incident, and review actions; keep documentation audit-ready.

Success Measures

• Safe, compliant, efficient operations delivered to budget, with accurate records, strong GMP/housekeeping standards, prompt action closure, and capable, accountable teams.

• A 2:1 in a relevant subject (Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or similar).
• A genuine interest in operations, manufacturing, or supply chain - internships, placements, or work in FMCG/food/logistics is a plus but not essential.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with comfort working with data (Excel/Sheets as standard; exposure to SQL or BI tools a bonus).
• Willingness to be hands-on and visible on the production floor, not just in meetings.
• Clear, confident communication - able to work across Production, Engineering, Technical, Supply Chain, and Customer Services from day one.
• A structured, methodical approach to problem-solving (an interest in Lean/Six Sigma/CI principles is a plus).
• Resilience and adaptability - comfortable in a fast-paced, early-morning, shift-based environment.
• Natural leadership potential - someone teams will want to follow, even without formal management experience yet.
• High attention to detail, especially around safety, compliance, and accuracy of records.
• Ambition to grow into a broader operational leadership role, with willingness to rotate across functions (Production, Warehouse, Engineering, CI) as part of development
  
  

• Direct mentoring from senior operational leaders, with regular 1:1s and structured feedback.
• Real ownership from day one - you'll run daily reviews, own KPIs, and lead small projects, not just shadow.
• Exposure to the full end-to-end supply chain, from production planning through to dispatch and customer service.
• Hands-on Continuous Improvement experience - 5S, root cause analysis - working alongside the CI Lead on live problems, not case studies.
• Structured development plan.
• Support toward relevant qualifications (e.g. IOSH, Lean/Six Sigma, food safety certifications) where useful to your development.
• A close-knit cohort of fellow ex-graduates plus regular check-ins, so you're never navigating alone.
• The chance to make a visible, measurable impact early - in a business where operational decisions directly affect food safety, cost, and customer experience.
• A genuine growth trajectory - many operational leaders in the business started in graduate or entry-level roles.

• A competitive package that rewards your skills and dedication.
• Be part of a Better Business (B-Corp), making a positive impact on profit, people, and planet.
• Join an award-winning startup backed by the largest food and beverage company globally: Nestle
• Experience a workplace that feels like home, complete with free meals and a gym. 
• Prioritise your well-being with perks like Vitality health insurance, access to LinkedIn Learning, mental health support, Better Up AI Coaching and a generous holiday package (30 days + bank holidays).
• Enjoy a 50% discount on all Mindful Chef products.
• Enhanced policy of up to 6 months full pay primary parental leave and up to 6 weeks full pay secondary parental leave.