Operations Director

Operations Director

Reading Full-Time 72000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and optimise operations for a premium coffee equipment supplier.
  • Company: Join a UK market leader known for exceptional customer service in the beverage industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be part of a pivotal stage in a growing business, shaping its future success.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in senior operations leadership; degree or equivalent experience required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to manage a major facility relocation and drive digital transformation.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.

Job Description

Our client is a UK market leader in the supply of premium coffee equipment, components and accessories, partnering with a diverse customer base across the specialty beverage, hospitality, engineering and catering sectors.

With decades of experience and a reputation for exceptional customer service, the business supports thousands of customers nationwide. Following sustained growth and significant investment in operations, they are now seeking a commercially astute, results driven Operations Director to lead and optimise their end-to-end operations, positioning the business for scalable and sustainable expansion.

The Opportunity

As Operations Director, you will take full responsibility for developing and delivering the operational strategy required to support the company’s growth ambitions. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead warehousing, logistics, supply chain, and systems implementation, ensuring efficiency, service excellence and operational resilience. A key priority will be managing the successful relocation to a new, purpose-built facility within the next year, while embedding scalable processes and technology to support future growth.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and implement a scalable operations strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
  • Lead the planning and execution of the site relocation, ensuring minimal disruption and seamless transition.
  • Overhaul and optimise workflows across warehousing, logistics and inventory to improve quality, speed and cost efficiency.
  • Implement robust forecasting, supply chain management and inventory control processes.
  • Monitor and improve operational KPIs, delivering measurable cost and performance benefits.
  • Drive digital transformation, deploying scalable systems and data analytics for better decision-making.
  • Build, mentor and lead a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational capabilities with commercial priorities.

What We’re Looking For

  • Degree educated or qualified by experience
  • 10+ years’ senior operations leadership experience within a fast-paced sales and distribution environment.
  • Proven track record in delivering operational improvements, including leading major facility moves or operational transformations.
  • Strong background in supply chain, warehousing, logistics and inventory management.
  • Experience implementing lean methodologies or similar continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Commercially astute with a solid understanding of P&L impact, operational KPIs, and cost structures
  • Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable being hands-on in day-to-day operations.
  • Strong communicator and change leader, able to inspire and align teams.

This is a rare opportunity to join a successful, growing business at a pivotal stage, take full ownership of the operational agenda as well as shape the infrastructure and capabilities that will underpin the company’s next phase of expansion.

Operations Director employer: Novo Executive Search

As a leading supplier of premium coffee equipment, our company offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on operational excellence and a commitment to innovation, we foster a collaborative culture where your contributions directly impact our success. Located in a purpose-built facility, you will have the unique opportunity to lead transformative projects while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values work-life balance and continuous improvement.
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Contact Detail:

Novo Executive Search Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the coffee equipment and supply chain sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends, which can give you an edge in discussions during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the company's current operations and any recent news regarding their expansion plans. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals during conversations with hiring managers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led operational transformations or facility relocations in the past. Highlighting measurable outcomes from these experiences will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Operations Director role.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership style and ability to build high-performing teams. Be ready to share strategies you've used to foster a culture of continuous improvement, as this is crucial for the role and will resonate well with the company's values.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director

Strategic Planning
Operational Strategy Development
Supply Chain Management
Warehousing and Logistics Expertise
Inventory Control
Project Management
Change Management
Lean Methodologies
Data Analytics
Performance Monitoring
Team Leadership and Mentoring
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Commercial Acumen
Process Optimisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations leadership, particularly in fast-paced sales and distribution environments. Emphasise your achievements in managing facility relocations and operational transformations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate your understanding of the company's growth ambitions and how your skills align with their operational strategy. Mention specific examples of how you've driven improvements in supply chain and logistics.

Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on quantifiable results. For instance, mention any KPIs you improved or cost efficiencies you achieved in previous roles to demonstrate your impact.

Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role requires building and mentoring a high-performing team, include examples of your leadership style and how you've fostered a culture of continuous improvement in past positions.

How to prepare for a job interview at Novo Executive Search

✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision

As an Operations Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare to discuss how you would define and implement a scalable operations strategy that aligns with the company's growth objectives. Use specific examples from your past experience to illustrate your strategic thinking.

✨Highlight Your Change Management Skills

Given the importance of managing the relocation to a new facility, be ready to talk about your experience with change management. Share examples of how you've successfully led major facility moves or operational transformations, focusing on how you ensured minimal disruption and a seamless transition.

✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement

The role requires a strong background in optimising workflows and implementing lean methodologies. Be prepared to discuss specific initiatives you've led that resulted in operational improvements, such as enhancing supply chain efficiency or reducing costs. Highlight your approach to fostering a culture of continuous improvement within teams.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills

As a leader, your ability to communicate effectively is key. Prepare to showcase how you've inspired and aligned teams in previous roles. Discuss your experience collaborating with senior leadership and how you ensure that operational capabilities align with commercial priorities.

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