Operations Director

Written By Cherish Harding

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 for this remarkable opportunity please submit your CV.

Cherish Harding
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