Operations Director – UK & Ireland
Do you want to join a forward‑thinking food manufacturer that’s innovating, investing, and shaping the future of its operations? Do you thrive in an environment where people are empowered to lead, make decisions, and deliver real results? We are looking for someone who has improved people and teams.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly successful and established food business that prides itself on quality, service, and continuous improvement. With a strong reputation and a focus on long‑term growth, the business is now seeking an Operations Director to lead its UK operations and drive the next phase of transformation and performance.
Reporting to the General Manager, this is a pivotal leadership role responsible for all operational functions across the UK site — including manufacturing, supply chain, planning, procurement, quality, health & safety, and environmental performance. You’ll set the strategic direction for operations, ensuring the site delivers on its financial, sustainability, and efficiency goals while maintaining a strong people and safety culture.
Working closely with the European leadership team, you will design and deliver the optimal manufacturing footprint for the future, implementing lean processes, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives that enable sustainable growth. You’ll play a key role in developing people’s capability, driving engagement, and ensuring operational excellence across every part of the business.
Key responsibilities
* Leading all operational departments to achieve world‑class standards in safety, quality, service, and cost.
* Full ownership of the operations budget, KPIs, and performance delivery.
* Designing and executing strategies to optimise efficiency, resource utilisation, and output.
About you
* A degree is essential.
* An engineering background (Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing) is highly desirable, along with relevant engineering experience.
* Proven leadership experience in operations or manufacturing environments.
* Experience within the food manufacturing sector is ideal; FMCG experience will also be considered.
* A strong track record of leading teams and delivering measurable improvements in performance and efficiency.
Location: The main site is based in Derbyshire, commutable from Nottinghamshire and Sheffield.
Job details
* Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
* Employment type: Full‑time
* Job function: Production, Manufacturing, and Management
* Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Baked Goods Manufacturing
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