About The Business
Dewlay Cheesemakers is a third-generation family run cheesemaking business based in Garstang, Lancashire. The Company produces and packs a range of Award-winning cheeses from its “Best in Class” facility for a range of UK and oversees customers. To meet further business growth, we are now looking to further add to our leadership team with the recruitment of a Head of Operations.
Job Purpose
* Forming a key part of the senior management team, the Head of Operations will help shape and influence an innovative family run business built on a strong family culture.
* This pivotal role will drive operational excellence within the manufacturing and packing process, to ensure it continues to run smoothly, profitably and successfully.
* Reporting directly to the Managing Directors the Head of Operations will act as a senior point of contact between different operational departments, coordinating communication and collaboration to ensure that the business functions as a cohesive and integrated entity.
* The varied role will also help implement the organization’s strategic goals and provide guidance and support in executing complex project management and capital expenditure.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
* Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and employees, to ensure that their needs and expectations are met.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement by actively identifying opportunities for operational enhancement within the sites cheese production and packing facility.
* Efficiently manage resources, including raw materials, manpower and equipment to meet production goals and quality targets while controlling costs.
* Implement best practice and enhance production efficiency, yield and product quality.
* Oversee and manage the production and packing operations to meet customer service levels, ensuring maximum efficiency and profitability
* Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of production managers and supervisors, fostering a culture of quality excellence and right first time
* Oversee onsite visits, showcasing the company’s cheesemaking heritage to potential or existing customers or stakeholders
* Assist in HR issues such as disciplinary and annual performance reviews
* Ensure strict adherence to all relevant health and Safety and environmental regulations, and champion sustainability initiatives within the production process.
* Carry out trials and R&D across the cheese manufacturing and packing process.
* Key Involvement in the commissioning of new equipment across the site such as packing lines & dairy equipment.
* Manage quality assurance issues in conjunction with the Technical Manager
What you’ll bring to the role
* Previous experience in food operational management is essential.
* Excellent “hands-on leadership skills” with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
* Manage internal and external stakeholders.
* Process orientated with the ability to identify, resolve, and escalate problems where necessary.
* Be results driven and commercially minded.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Knowledge of quality assurance standards, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
* Commitment to driving industry-leading performance
Package
Competitive remuneration package and benefits, which is reflective of this full-time senior role.
To apply
Send your CV to Deadline: 03/06/2026