Operations Director

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 food service 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 with in 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