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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a family-run cheesemaking business, ensuring efficiency and quality.
- 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 drive innovation and sustainability in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the food industry.
- 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Head of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and culture. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what Dewlay Cheesemakers is all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve driven operational excellence and inspired teams in the past. We believe that showcasing your hands-on leadership skills will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend expressing your enthusiasm for the role and reiterating how you can contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in food operational management and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for Dewlay Cheesemakers. Share your passion for the industry and how you can contribute to our family culture. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve improved efficiency or quality in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dewlay Cheesemakers Ltd
✨Know Your Cheese
Familiarise yourself with Dewlay Cheesemakers' products and their unique selling points. Understanding the company's award-winning cheeses will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in their business.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your hands-on leadership approach. Think of specific examples where you've motivated teams or improved operational processes. This role is all about inspiring others, so be ready to share how you’ve done that in the past.
✨Be Process-Oriented
Since the job requires a strong focus on operational excellence, come prepared with examples of how you've identified and resolved process issues in previous roles. Highlight your ability to implement best practices that enhance efficiency and quality.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your experience in managing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with different departments or partners to achieve common goals, as this will be crucial in your new role.