Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a family-run cheesemaking business, driving excellence and innovation.
- Company: Dewlay Cheesemakers, a third-generation family business with award-winning products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and benefits package for a full-time senior role.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on sustainability.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of cheesemaking with your leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in food operational management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
About The Business
Dewlay Cheesemakers is a third-generation family run cheesemaking business based in Garstang, Lancashire. The Company produces and packs a range of Award-winning cheeses from its “Best in Class” facility for a range of UK and overseas customers. To meet further business growth, we are now looking to further add to our leadership team with the recruitment of a Head of Operations.
Job Role
Forming a key part of the senior management team, the Head of Operations will help shape and influence an innovative family run business built on a strong family culture. This pivotal role will drive operational excellence within the manufacturing and packing process, to ensure it continues to run smoothly, profitably and successfully. Reporting directly to the Managing Directors, the Head of Operations will act as a senior point of contact between different operational departments, coordinating communication and collaboration to ensure that the business functions as a cohesive and integrated entity. The varied role will also help implement the organization’s strategic goals and provide guidance and support in executing complex project management and capital expenditure.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
- Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and employees, to ensure that their needs and expectations are met.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by actively identifying opportunities for operational enhancement within the site's cheese production and packing facility.
- Efficiently manage resources, including raw materials, manpower and equipment to meet production goals and quality targets while controlling costs.
- Implement best practice and enhance production efficiency, yield and product quality.
- Oversee and manage the production and packing operations to meet customer service levels, ensuring maximum efficiency and profitability.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of production managers and supervisors, fostering a culture of quality excellence and right first time.
- Oversee onsite visits, showcasing the company’s cheesemaking heritage to potential or existing customers or stakeholders.
- Assist in HR issues such as disciplinary and annual performance reviews.
- Ensure strict adherence to all relevant health and safety and environmental regulations, and champion sustainability initiatives within the production process.
- Carry out trials and R&D across the cheese manufacturing and packaging process.
- Key involvement in the commissioning of new equipment across the site such as packing lines & dairy equipment.
- Manage quality assurance issues in conjunction with the Technical Manager.
What you’ll bring to the role
- Previous experience in food operational management is essential.
- Excellent “hands-on leadership skills” with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
- Manage internal and external stakeholders.
- Process orientated with the ability to identify, resolve, and escalate problems where necessary.
- Be results driven and commercially minded.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of quality assurance standards, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Commitment to driving industry-leading performance.
Package
Competitive remuneration package and benefits, which is reflective of this full-time senior role.
Head of Operations in Burnley employer: Dewlay Cheesemakers Ltd
Contact Detail:
Dewlay Cheesemakers Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Know their products, values, and recent news. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've inspired teams or improved processes. Real-life experiences resonate more than generic answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cheese: When writing your application, let your love for cheesemaking shine through! Share any relevant experiences or stories that connect you to the industry. We want to see your enthusiasm for our family-run business and how you can contribute to our legacy.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Operations role. Highlight your previous experience in food operational management and any leadership roles you've held. We’re looking for someone who can drive operational excellence, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Dewlay Cheesemakers!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dewlay Cheesemakers Ltd
✨Know Your Cheese!
Familiarise yourself with Dewlay Cheesemakers and their range of award-winning cheeses. Understanding their products and the cheesemaking process will show your genuine interest in the company and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your hands-on leadership experience. Think of specific examples where you've motivated a team or improved operational efficiency. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can inspire others and drive results.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your ability to identify and resolve operational issues. Prepare some real-life examples where you successfully tackled challenges in food operational management, showcasing your process-oriented mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you manage relationships with stakeholders and ensure everyone is on the same page during projects.