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