Chief Operations Officer

We’re looking for more than just a Chief of Operations. We’re searching for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, inventive environment where ideas are turned into action without getting stuck in red tape. You’ll be stepping into a leadership role at Besmoke, a pioneering smoked ingredient manufacturer redefining how flavour is crafted and delivered.

You’ll bring experience — sure — but more than that, you’ll bring energy, curiosity, and a practical, sleeves-rolled-up mindset. You’re someone who sees process as a platform for creativity, not constraint. You’re commercially savvy but hands-on. You’ll understand manufacturing, supply chains, and growth strategy — but you’ll also get stuck in with the Team when needed.

You’ll get us. We don’t run like a traditional corporate. We move fast. We test ideas. We make bold decisions. We care about food, flavour, and the people who make it happen. You’ll be a people‑first operator who leads with clarity, humour, and purpose, and who understands that culture drives performance.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of an innovative food business on the rise.

Location: Arundel, West Sussex, UK
Reports to: CEO
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + LTIP + Pension + Car
Start Date: ASAP

About Besmoke

We are smoke innovators. Besmoke is a UK-based food manufacturer specialising in all-natural smoke and grill flavour systems. Through science, and a relentless pursuit of flavour, we help brands and manufacturers bring authentic smoke and grill to life — without compromise.

We’re scaling fast, and we’re not doing it the “big company” way. Innovation, adaptability, and authenticity drive everything we do. We’re looking for a COO who shares our mindset and can help us take Besmoke to the next level.

The Role

As COO, you’ll lead and evolve our operations function, taking charge of production, supply chain, people, quality and process improvements across the business. Your mission is to create and sustain the systems, teams, and strategies that support rapid, smart growth — without losing the culture that makes Besmoke, Besmoke.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including production, logistics, procurement, planning, and quality.
• Drive the P&L by working closely with our CFO.
• Support the growth plan by working closely with CEO, CFO & CCO.
• Report into the Board quarterly.
• Lead and develop cross-functional teams across manufacturing, support, technical, quality and warehouse.
• Work with the leadership team to design and implement scalable systems and processes.
• Drive continuous improvement across all operations — productivity, efficiency, safety, sustainability.
• Implement the long-term digitalisation of all systems
• Champion a strong internal culture: open, collaborative, ambitious, and values driven.
• Partner closely with Commercial and Technical teams to ensure operations deliver.
• Develop and track KPIs that support commercial growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Contribute strategically to long‑term business planning and investment decisions… This is key, we need a long‑term strategist who can deliver the growth plan.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior operations role within a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience scaling up operations and managing change.
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on, entrepreneurial business.
• Strong leadership and team‑building skills — values people as much as process.
• Highly adaptable — thrives in fast‑moving, sometimes ambiguous environments.
• Commercially aware, with a problem‑solving mindset and strong organisational instincts.
• A champion of innovation and quality, not bureaucracy.

What We Offer

• A chance to be part of an ambitious growth journey
• Autonomy and trust to lead your own function
• A team that values ideas, openness, and energy
• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonus and LTIP
• Hybrid/flexible working available
• Opportunities to shape not just what we do — but how we do it

COO – Besmoke

West Sussex | Full-Time | Competitive + Bonus + LTIP

We’re not your average food manufacturer. At Besmoke, we’re on a mission to reimagine smoke — sustainably, creatively, and with serious flavour credentials.

Now, we’re looking for a Chief Operations Officer to help lead our next phase of growth. Someone who gets stuff done. Someone who leads with purpose. Someone who wants to do things differently — the Besmoke way.

You’ll bring leadership, operational know‑how, and a hands‑on mindset.
You’ll build systems that scale and people that thrive.
You’ll care deeply about flavour, quality, and team culture.

We don’t do suits and silos. We do innovation, pace, and people.

If you’ve got senior experience in operations (especially in flavour, foods, seasonings), and you’re ready to help build something exciting — we want to hear from you.