Job Description
* Head of Operations | Croydon
* Seeking candidates from a fast-moving Operational, Manufacturing or Distribution background.
* Competitive package on offer.
A fantastic senior leadership vacancy has become available following an internal promotion. This role will put you at the heart of a fast-moving, complex operation within a highly regulated environment.
This is a standout opportunity for an experienced operational leader to take ownership of a diverse, high-volume environment that blends cutting edge automation with hands on, people led operations.
The Role:
As Head of Operations, you’ll set the tone and direction for a large, multi-disciplinary operational team. You’ll lead through others, empowering strong site leadership while maintaining close oversight of performance, compliance, safety and continuous improvement.
This is not a desk based role. You’ll be visible, engaged and hands-on when needed - equally comfortable walking the floor as you are working with senior stakeholders on strategy, risk and future capability.
It’s a role that requires strategic thinking, operational grip, and a genuine passion for leading people in a regulated, performance driven environment.
Key Responsibilities:
* End to end leadership of multiple warehouse and distribution sites operating at pace
* Managing operations that combine advanced automation with manual processes, requiring adaptability and strong judgement
* Ensuring safe, compliant and efficient operations within a regulated environment
* Creating a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement
* Owning Health & Safety across the operation and embedding a strong safety first mindset amongst your team
* Developing, coaching and inspiring site leaders and operational managers
* Working collaboratively with central functions including Quality, Compliance, IT and Supply Chain
* Driving operational resilience while improving cost, service and productivity
About the business you are joining:
This is a business that, truly, puts people and collaboration at the centre of everything it does!
You’ll be joining a highly inclusive, down to earth and supportive leadership team, where success is driven through teamwork rather than hierarchy. Relationships matter here and this role will suit someone who enjoys working with people at all levels, from shopfloor teams to senior executives.
Leaders within this business are expected to be:
* Approachable and visible
* Commercial but human
* Decisive, without losing empathy
* Comfortable leading through change
The successful candidate for this role will have the following background:
* Proven senior leadership experience in a fast-moving operational environment
* Experience leading multi-site operations, ideally with previous exposure to automated facilities.
* Strong understanding of operating in regulated, compliance led environments
* A track record of improving performance through people, not just process
* A collaborative, engaging leadership style with high emotional intelligence
* Dynamic, resilient and comfortable operating under pressure
Why apply?
If you’re looking for a role where you can shape culture, influence strategy and genuinely make an impact, this is it. You’ll have real autonomy, a broad operational remit and the chance to lead a critical function at the heart of the organisation.
This is a role for a people-focused, modern operations leader who thrives in complexity and enjoys bringing others with them on the journey.
Keywords: Head of Operations, Operations Director, Operations Manager, Operations Management, Site Director, Plant Director, Head of Manufacturing, Manufacturing Manager, Head of Distribution