Group Operations Director (Succession to Managing Director)
- Manchester (Head Office Based)
- £120,000 + Executive Reward Package + Long-Term Share Incentive Potential
- Multi-Site Food Business | £35M Turnover | 300+ Employees
Are you an ambitious operational leader looking for your next step towards Managing Director level?
We have been exclusively retained with a successful and growing multi-site food business to appoint a Group Operations Director who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organisation. This is a rare opportunity to join a well-established £35m turnover business with a clear succession plan to progress into the Managing Director position within 12 months.
Reporting directly to the Board and business owners, you will take full responsibility for operational performance, business growth strategy and overall P&L management across the group.
This is a highly visible leadership position with genuine long-term potential for equity participation and ownership as the business continues its growth journey.
The Opportunity
As Group Operations Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the entire business, leading a high‑performing senior leadership team and ensuring the organisation is positioned for sustainable growth.
You will have five direct reports across:
- Operations
- Procurement
- Supply Chain
- Finance
- Human Resources
This role requires a commercially astute leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational execution, driving performance while maintaining a strong focus on culture, people and customer delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Full P&L ownership and accountability for business performance
- Develop and execute business growth and operational strategies
- Lead and develop the senior leadership team
- Drive operational excellence across multiple sites
- Identify opportunities for efficiency, profitability and growth
- Partner closely with the Board and owners on strategic planning
- Ensure robust financial controls and performance management
- Lead investment, change and continuous improvement initiatives
- Build a high‑performance culture focused on accountability and results
About You
We are looking for an entrepreneurial, highly driven and commercially minded leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and has a genuine desire to progress into a Managing Director role.
You will bring:
- Senior leadership experience within food manufacturing, food service or food retail environments
- Proven experience managing multi-site operations
- Full P&L ownership and accountability
- Strong business and financial acumen
- Experience developing and delivering growth strategies
- Outstanding leadership and stakeholder management skills
- Exceptional attention to detail and operational discipline
- A hands‑on approach with the ability to influence at all levels
- A track record of delivering sustainable business improvement
Why Apply?
- Clear pathway to Managing Director within 12 months
- Opportunity to shape the future direction of the business
- Direct exposure to Board and ownership team
- Significant autonomy and influence
- Long-term share and ownership potential
- Attractive executive reward package including bonus and future equity participation
This opportunity will appeal to ambitious leaders who are ready to take ownership of a business, drive growth, and ultimately build a long-term leadership legacy.
