Van Hessen
Operations Manager (6-month FTC)

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About the Company
Van Hessen is the leading global player in the harvesting, processing and distribution of natural casings, meat products, and raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Thanks to the worldwide operation of gut rooms inside slaughterhouses, we are able to operate closely to the source and secure a constant flow of raw materials for our customers. Controlling and supervising all steps in the supply chain enables us to ensure the quality of our products and services.
About The Role
The Operations Manager will join on an initial 6 month FTC and will oversee all production activities and planning within the Sunderland Production facility. You will organise, improve and direct the production and/or logistics in line with the set requirements of production time, quality and costs. The Sunderland site is a relatively small operation, so the successful candidate will be expected to adopt a proactive and hands-on approach to the role.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and manage the realisation of the lead/delivery times and budget.
- Follow up incidents and complaints, investigate causes and advise on improvement.
- Ensure complete administration, invoice control and timely reporting.
- Ensure effective employee training is conducted as and when required.
- Ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all employees.
- Supervise and coach employees.
- Conduct complex tasks that require vision and abstract thinking.
- Manage maintenance and HR costs versus budget/target.
- Look at processing methods to improve the quality of products produced.
- Highlight production issues and escalate if necessary.
- Project Management ensuring operationally, we are well prepared for new tasks.
- Reviews production orders and plans production operations.
- Coordinates production activities to ensure product safety, legality, quality, and customer specifications are achieved on time.
- Maintenance of building and machines.
- Maintain and develop the food safety & quality management system in line with BRC Global Standard for Food Safety certification requirements.
- Maintain the company HACCP procedures and supporting documentation.
- Maintain the company health and safety system.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in production/warehouse
- Minimum of 2 years in a management position.
- Forklift licence (essential)
- Familiarity with HACCP systems, qualification desirable.
- Ability to manage and motivate a team.
- Quality awareness
- Organised and logical approach to work in a sometimes fast-paced environment with the ability to think laterally.
- Self-motivated, flexible and confident
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to communicate at all levels effectively and build good interpersonal relationships with internal and external customers.
- Experience of current MS Office Applications.
- Experience of JDE would be advantageous.
- Accepts changes and consequently challenges positively.
- Decisiveness


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What’s Next
Please apply now with a copy of your CV.
Please note this is a Direct Search led by Van Hessen. Applications from agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.
Equality and diversity at Van Hessen / SARIA's group of companies
We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive working environment in which all employees are respected and supported regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or social background. We expressly welcome applications from people with a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Our goal is to ensure equal opportunities and actively combat discrimination – both in the application process and in everyday working life.
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