Operations Director - Food Manufacturing
Location: Dual site - Home counties & West Country
£(phone number removed) + car allowance + bonus + benefits
A growing, premium food manufacturing business is seeking an Operations Director to lead and optimise its end‑to‑end manufacturing function during an exciting period of expansion.
Operating within the ambient food category and supplying major retail and foodservice customers through branded and third‑party manufacturing goods, the business is focused on scaling production capability, improving operational efficiency and strengthening customer service performance.
This is a pivotal leadership role with full accountability for manufacturing, engineering and operational delivery.
The role
Reporting into the business CEO, you will take ownership of the operational function, ensuring that sales growth is supported by robust manufacturing execution, strong supply chain discipline and best‑in‑class service levels.
The remit includes
* Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
* Contract manufacturing and co‑packer management
* Branded goods
* Supply chain and demand planning
* Procurement and supplier performance
* Warehousing and distribution
* SHEQ and food safety governance
* Process improvement and operational excellence
* Field‑based technical and customer support where required
This function is responsible for turning commercial opportunity into operational reality — delivering safe, compliant, high‑quality food products on time and in full, while maintaining margin discipline.
* Lead all operational matters across food manufacturing and supply chain
* Ensure OTIF performance and service levels meet retailer expectations
* Oversee manufacturing to ensure food safety, quality and efficiency standards are met
* Drive continuous improvement across production planning, inventory management and logistics
* Lead Sales & Operations Planning processes to align forecast, capacity and supply
* Own operational budgets, cost control and working capital performance (including stock and aged WIP)
* Deliver weekly operational and financial forward‑looking reporting
* Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene and regulatory standards
* Collaborate closely with Technical, NPD and Commercial teams to support product launches
* Lead capital investment planning and operational infrastructure development
* Manage procurement strategy to protect margin and ensure supply continuity
* Recruit, develop and mentor high‑performing operational teams
* Implement lean manufacturing and supply chain best practices
* Resolve complex operational or customer service challenges with pace and accountability
* Create a strong succession plan for all key roles
The person
* We are seeking a senior operations leader with deep experience in food manufacturing.
* Degree educated (engineering, food manufacturing, supply chain or related discipline), or equivalent
* Demonstrable experience within food manufacturing or FMCG production environments
* Strong understanding of ambient food production and co‑manufacturing models
* Experience managing retailer‑facing supply chains
* Demonstrable success delivering operational efficiency and cost improvement
* Strong commercial and financial acumen
You will demonstrate:
* Strategic oversight with strong operational detail orientation
* Deep understanding of S&OP and demand planning within food environments
* Experience leading multi‑disciplinary operational teams
* High standards around food safety, compliance and quality
* Ability to operate at pace in a growing business
* Strong analytical capability and structured problem solving
* A hands‑on leadership style with clear accountability
* Experience within branded and private label food supply would be highly advantageous.
Why Consider This Role?
* Full operational ownership within a scaling food manufacturer
* Opportunity to strengthen manufacturing and supply chain capability
* Direct influence on growth trajectory and customer performance
* High visibility within a lean, ambitious leadership team
* Platform for future progression within a growing food group
* This opportunity will suit a commercially astute, operationally disciplined leader who understands the complexities of food manufacturing and thrives on delivering performance in a growth environment.
To apply please email your CV
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