The Head of Operations is responsible for managing third-party manufacturing and warehousing partners, ensuring strong performance across service, cost, quality, and compliance. The role oversees operational delivery from bulk availability through to finished goods, supports New Product Development, leads the technical and quality agenda, and ensures accurate stock, data, and financial control.
Client Details
This is an opportunity to join a global, market‑leading FMCG business with a strong heritage and an even stronger focus on the future. Known for combining scale with innovation, the organisation invests heavily in its people, values long‑term thinking, and encourages collaboration across functions and regions. Employees benefit from genuine ownership, exposure to senior stakeholders, and the chance to make a visible impact in a fast‑moving, high‑quality environment.
Description
Strategic & Leadership
Contribute to the long-term supply chain vision with clear milestones and delivery plans
Actively participate in senior management forums, shaping operational priorities and performance
Lead, develop, and manage the operational team, including performance, engagement, and progression
Provide cover for senior supply chain leadership where required
Manufacturing & Warehousing Operations
Manage and optimise third-party manufacturing and warehousing contracts
Lead contract reviews, renegotiation's, and mid-term amendments
Drive performance and continuous improvement through reviews, targets, and projects
Ensure manufacturing and warehousing capacity aligns with current and future demand
Approve bottling and warehousing invoices and manage operational budgets
Quality, Technical & Compliance
Own the quality agenda, including technical reviews, complaint investigation, and root cause analysis
Support and oversee the technical function to ensure food safety, legal, and ethical compliance
Ensure products and packaging meet all regulatory requirements
Supply, Stock & Data Control
Ensure accurate reconciliation of physical stock and system records across bulk and warehouse locations
Maintain high standards of master data accuracy, bills of materials, and specifications
Coordinate bulk availability to minimise supply gaps while maintaining quality and specification targets
Innovation & Value Engineering
Ensure innovation and NPD projects are delivered on time and to specification
Coordinate operational elements of product rework and promotional activity
Identify and deliver value engineering opportunities
Lead materials tenders, manage pricing files, and negotiated minimum order quantities
Financial & Performance Management
Manage and track departmental KPIs and performance against targets
Coordinate operational inputs related to taxes and levies (e.g. packaging-related charges)
Support improvements in customer service through operational excellence
Profile
Ideally degree educated or equivalent
Proven experience managing manufacturing and warehousing operations, ideally within FMCG
Contract manufacturing experience is highly desirable
Regular national UK travel, and some European and International travel expected for this role
Ideal home location for the successful applicant is the West Midlands or the North of EnglandJob Offer
Competitive salary ranging up to £90k per annum.
Permanent position in a reputable company within the FMCG sector.
Opportunity to lead and shape operations within a thriving organisation.
Engaging work environment with a focus on innovation and excellence.If you are an experienced professional seeking a leadership role in the FMCG industry, we encourage you to apply and take the next step in your career