Operations Director - Food Manufacturing
Location: Dual site - Home counties & West Country
£100,000-120,000 + 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
TPBN1_UKTJ