Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a successful and growing food manufacturer based in Belfast.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive leadership team.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values innovation, quality, and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operations roles within FMCG or food manufacturing is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape operational strategy and drive performance improvements.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Belfast
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Schedule: Monday to Friday (day shift), with flexibility required
Are you a hands-on operational leader passionate about driving performance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? We’re supporting a highly successful and growing food manufacturer in the Belfast area in their search for an ambitious Head of Operations to help take their business to the next level. This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who thrives on challenge, brings a “can-do” mindset, and has a track record of delivering results across productivity, people, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead day-to-day operations across production, planning, and support teams
- Drive operational efficiency using Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Implement systems and processes that enhance capacity, quality, and compliance
- Develop and execute strategic plans to align with wider business objectives
- Create a high-performance culture that empowers and develops the team
- Oversee KPIs, budgets, and cost-control initiatives with a focus on measurable financial impact
- Ensure full compliance with health & safety, food safety, and customer standards
- Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline workflows and reduce waste
- Lead operational readiness for new projects, products, or capacity expansions
- Proven experience in a senior operations or production leadership role within FMCG or food manufacturing
- Strong leadership and people development skills with a track record of building successful teams
- Skilled in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies (certification desirable)
- Strategic thinker with hands-on experience implementing systems and scalable processes
- Commercially aware, with experience driving financial improvements in operational performance
- Sound understanding of compliance, health & safety, and BRC/retailer standards
- Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a high-growth, fast-moving environment
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Opportunity to shape and lead operational strategy
- Supportive leadership team with a strong performance culture
- A business committed to innovation, quality, and growth
Head of Operations employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Contact Detail:
Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG and food manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and connect with current or former employees of the company to gain insights and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies during conversations or interviews. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented these strategies in previous roles to drive operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their current challenges and successes will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your leadership style and people development skills. Think of examples where you've built high-performing teams and how you foster a culture of continuous improvement, as this is crucial for the Head of Operations role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations and leadership within the FMCG or food manufacturing sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and implement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for operational leadership and detail how your skills align with the company's goals. Mention your track record of delivering results and your strategic thinking abilities, as these are key for the Head of Operations role.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your work experience, focus on quantifiable achievements that showcase your impact on productivity, compliance, and team development. Use metrics to illustrate your success in previous roles.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership style and how you have successfully built and developed teams in past positions. Provide examples of how you've created a high-performance culture and driven operational efficiency.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Operations, demonstrating your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to developing talent and fostering a high-performance culture.
✨Highlight Your Experience with CI Methodologies
Since the role requires knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma, be ready to discuss specific projects where you've implemented these methodologies. Share measurable outcomes that resulted from your initiatives to showcase your impact on operational efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you've aligned operational strategies with broader business objectives. Think of examples where your strategic planning has led to significant improvements in productivity or compliance, and be ready to articulate these clearly.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations, food safety standards, and BRC requirements relevant to the FMCG sector. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach this in the new position.
