Operations Director
Global FMCG Manufacturer | Multi-Site Leadership Role | UK-Based
Our client is a leading global FMCG organisation with a broad portfolio of brands and an ambitious growth agenda across international markets. As part of global succession planning and its continued investment in operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the business is seeking to appoint an exceptional Operations Director to lead all of the UK operations, including but not limited to its end-to-end manufacturing, supply chain, packaging and engineering functions across multiple UK sites.
The Role
Reporting to the Global Managing Director, the Operations Director will hold full accountability for production, packaging, engineering, procurement, logistics and supply chain, delivering outstanding performance across safety, quality, cost, service and sustainability.
The successful candidate will:
* Develop and execute an integrated production and operational strategy that supports the company’s medium and long-term growth ambitions.
* Lead a strong safety-first culture across all sites, ensuring best-in-class standards of health, safety and environmental performance.
* Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence through Lean manufacturing principles and ISO-aligned processes.
* Oversee a robust Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to balance supply with demand across global markets.
* Take ownership for the financial performance of Operations, including P&L delivery, cost control, and capital expenditure planning.
* Lead the sustainability agenda across operations, embedding measurable environmental and efficiency improvements.
* Ensure procurement of key raw materials, packaging and utilities is strategic, cost-effective, and risk-managed.
* Champion innovation in manufacturing and packaging to enable product development and commercial agility.
* Build and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and talent growth.
* Represent Operations as a strategic partner to the commercial, marketing and finance functions, contributing to wider business growth initiatives and potential M&A activity.
The Person
You will be a proven operations leader within a consumer goods environment, with experience managing multiple sites and large, multidisciplinary teams. Commercially astute and strategically minded, you combine technical depth with the ability to translate strategy into measurable operational delivery.
* Significant senior leadership experience across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain and logistics.
* Proven track record of P&L management and delivering continuous improvement across multi-site operations.
* Degree in Engineering, Science, or Operations/Supply Chain discipline; MBA advantageous.
* Strong understanding of Lean, ISO, and modern manufacturing systems.
* Skilled in leading capital investment programmes and implementing digital and automation initiatives.
* A visible, confident and resilient leader capable of motivating diverse teams and influencing across functions and geographies.
Why Apply
This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the operational strategy of a major global FMCG business — driving efficiency, innovation and sustainable growth at scale – whilst being hired as the key succession plan for the Managing Director role.
FWB
Michael Dickson and James Dickinson are leading this search, and welcome and encourage applications or confidential introductions from all interested parties. You can apply here or contact them at applications@fwbltd.com