Operations Director - Food Manufacturing
Location: Dual site - Home counties & West Country
£(phone number removed) + 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