Graduate Operations Coordinator

About this role

Graduate Operations Coordinator

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00am–6:00pm

Contract: Full Time

CJ Recruitment is delighted to be recruiting for a Graduate Operations Coordinator to join an ambitious and growing business within the food manufacturing and operations sector.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate with a genuine passion for operations, manufacturing, supply chain and continuous improvement. Working closely with two Operations Managers and other key departments, you will take real ownership of the day-to-day performance of warehouse and production operations.

This is a hands-on, data-driven role where you will be given responsibility from day one. You will use operational data, KPIs and process analysis to improve efficiency, identify and resolve issues, and help ensure the site continues to operate safely, efficiently and consistently.

The Role

As a Graduate Operations Coordinator, you will work across production, warehouse, engineering and continuous improvement, with responsibilities including:

Operations & Safety

• Supporting and owning daily production delivery and cross-functional operational reviews.
• Working closely with Production, Engineering, Technical, Supply Chain and Customer Services teams.
• Processing production files and system data accurately and on time.
• Maintaining accurate operational records and documentation.
• Supporting a strong safety culture and ensuring procedures and SOPs are followed.
• Assisting with hazard and risk resolution, incident investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintaining high GMP, hygiene and housekeeping standards.
• Helping ensure the operation is prepared and ready to meet peak demand.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitoring and improving line efficiency, throughput and operational accuracy.
• Tracking key performance indicators and identifying opportunities to improve productivity.
• Investigating root causes of operational issues and helping implement long-term solutions.
• Identifying and removing bottlenecks within production and warehouse processes.
• Supporting process, layout and change-management improvements.
• Working on floor-level Continuous Improvement projects.
• Supporting 5S, Root Cause Analysis and other Lean/CI initiatives.

Warehouse & Engineering

• Supporting and maintaining high warehouse standards.
• Monitoring stock accuracy and pick performance.
• Working with Engineering to coordinate maintenance planning.
• Maintaining relevant permits, contractor and visitor records.
• Supporting the closure of audit actions relating to maintenance, GMP, hygiene and pest control.
• Assisting with foreign body investigations, traceability exercises and mock recalls.

Financial & People Support

• Supporting cost reporting and budget administration.
• Tracking labour, agency and overtime spend.
• Providing data to support operational and capital expenditure planning.
• Supporting the development of team members through training records and skills matrices.
• Maintaining PDPs and succession planning documentation.
• Assisting with recruitment and onboarding administration where required.

Reporting & Administration

• Producing clear KPI and cost reports.
• Maintaining up-to-date SOPs, logs and compliance documentation.
• Escalating operational risks at an early stage.
• Tracking and supporting the closure of audit, incident and review actions.
• Ensuring all documentation is accurate, organised and audit-ready.

About You

We are looking for someone who is genuinely energised by operational excellence. You will be naturally curious, analytical and always looking for a better way of doing things.

You may be a recent graduate or have gained some experience through an internship, placement or previous role within manufacturing, food, FMCG, logistics or supply chain.

To be successful, you will ideally have

• A 2:1 degree or above in a relevant subject such as Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or similar.
• A genuine interest in operations, manufacturing or supply chain.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Confidence working with data, including Excel or Google Sheets.
• Exposure to SQL, BI tools or similar would be advantageous but is not essential.
• A willingness to be hands-on and highly visible on the production floor.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
• A structured and methodical approach to solving problems.
• An interest in Lean, Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement principles.
• Resilience and adaptability within a fast-paced operational environment.
• High attention to detail, particularly around safety, compliance and record accuracy.
• Natural leadership potential and the ability to positively influence others.
• The ambition to develop into a broader operational leadership role.

You will also be willing to gain experience across different functions, including Production, Warehouse, Engineering and Continuous Improvement, as part of your development.

What Will You Gain?

This is far more than a typical graduate role. You will be given genuine responsibility and the opportunity to make a measurable impact from the start.

You can expect

• Direct mentoring from experienced senior operational leaders.
• Regular 1:1 meetings and structured feedback.
• Real ownership of KPIs, daily reviews and operational improvement projects.
• Exposure to the full end-to-end supply chain.
• Experience across production planning, warehouse operations, dispatch and customer service.
• Hands-on Continuous Improvement experience, including 5S and Root Cause Analysis.
• The opportunity to work alongside Continuous Improvement specialists on live operational challenges.
• A structured development plan to support your career progression.
• Support towards relevant qualifications, including IOSH, Lean/Six Sigma and food safety certifications where appropriate.
• The opportunity to work alongside and learn from other graduates and developing operational professionals..
• A clear opportunity to build a long-term career within operational leadership.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £28,000–£35,000 per year, depending on experience
• Employee discount
• Free or discounted meals
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Access to health and wellbeing support
• Access to professional learning and development resources
• Generous holiday allowance
• 50% discount on company products
• Enhanced parental leave policies
• Excellent career development and progression opportunities

If you're an ambitious graduate who enjoys working with data, solving problems and improving processes, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career within a fast-paced and successful operational environment.

Apply today through CJ Recruitment and take the first step towards a rewarding career in Operations and Operational Leadership!

Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person

About facilities & operations roles for ex-police

Operations, facilities and site management roles. Running a shift, a custody suite or an operational unit is people-and-process management employers can use from day one.