Head of Operations (Chilled Food Production)
Employer: The Compleat Food Group
Location: Market Drayton, TF9 3AL
Pay: Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 21/06/2026
About this job
Shape the future of a major chilled food manufacturing site and lead teams to deliver excellence. The Compleat Food Group is the fastest growing chilled food manufacturing company in the UK. We supply the UK’s most recognizable retailers and Food Service businesses with high‑quality chilled products.
We are seeking an experienced, people‑focused Head of Operations to oversee all manufacturing at our Palethorpes Bakery in Shropshire. The role is key to ensuring production, quality, service and cost performance consistently meet and exceed business expectations.
Responsibilities
* Lead and guide Factory Managers to deliver budgeted financial and service performance across 24/7 operations.
* Review daily KPIs, allocate clear accountabilities and ensure effective operational control.
* Manage overhead budgets, forecasts and P&L responsibilities.
* Champion product quality through collaboration with Technical, Asset Care, Hygiene, Development, OPEX and Production teams.
* Partner with NPD to ensure smooth, well‑embedded product introductions.
* Drive a culture of operational excellence across all production areas.
* Maintain regular contact with customers to build confidence and strong working relationships.
* Lead capital planning projects: identify requirements, source equipment and deliver agreed financial benefits.
* Coach, mentor and develop direct managers to build a strong succession pipeline.
* Lead succession planning and support recruitment of future operational leaders.
Qualifications & Experience
* At least 10 years’ experience in FMCG manufacturing.
* Strong exposure to chilled, high‑care, short‑life production.
* Demonstrable background in change management, culture shift and people leadership.
* Experience of OpEx / CI / Lean Manufacturing processes.
* Full financial awareness: P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting.
* Knowledge of HR practice.
* Experience in supply chain operations within a fast‑moving environment.
* Understanding of technical/food safety standards.
* Strong project management capability.
* Degree or equivalent; management qualification desirable.
Benefits
* Competitive Car Allowance and Company Bonus Scheme.
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, SMART Pension.
* 33 days’ annual leave (incl. bank holidays) with option to purchase extra holiday.
* Discounts via online retail platform; free product handouts.
* EV charging points at selected sites.
* 24/7 access to GroceryAid (financial, emotional, practical support).
* Physical Wellbeing Hub, free on‑demand exercise programmes, online classes, gym discounts.
* Free diet & nutrition advice; thousands of meal plans and healthy recipes.
* Financial wellbeing tools: mortgage calculators, budgeting tools.
* Personalised online learning platform, formal/informal training, performance development plans, regular career conversations.
* Industry‑leading Mentoring Scheme.
* Club Compleat rewards portal and recognition events.
* Paid volunteering days and community initiatives.
Equal Opportunities
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity and Respect. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of our recruitment process, just let us know, we’ll support you confidentially and with care.
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