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- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations and drive performance in a high-volume food manufacturing site.
- Company: Established UK food manufacturing business with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role with responsibility and influence over business performance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior operations leadership within food or FMCG sectors.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are partnering with an established UK food manufacturing business operating a large, high-volume site. It is well invested, with the scale and complexity to offer a genuinely senior operational leadership challenge. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Head of Operations will be responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of the site. This is a visible, hands-on role, leading large teams and setting clear expectations around standards, pace, and accountability.
This role will suit an experienced operations leader from a high-volume food or FMCG manufacturing environment, comfortable running complex, asset-intensive operations.
- Key criteria include:
- Proven track record in senior operational leadership roles
- Experience improving reliability, efficiency, and operational control
- Strong people leadership skills, with experience leading large workforces
- Structured, pragmatic approach with a bias to action
- Commercially aware and comfortable operating under pressure
- Experience in own-label or customer-led manufacturing environments is beneficial
This is an opportunity to step into a senior operations role with real responsibility, scale, and scope to influence business performance.
- Key responsibilities include:
- Ownership of site operational performance across safety, quality, service, cost, and efficiency
- Driving improvements in asset reliability, labour effectiveness, and schedule adherence
- Establishing clear KPIs, routines, and operational discipline
- Working closely with functional colleagues to deliver continuous improvement
- Supporting delivery of site-level operational plans and priorities
Head of Operations in England employer: Drayton Partners
Contact Detail:
Drayton Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Head of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of operational performance metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've improved efficiency and reliability in past roles. We want to hear about your hands-on leadership style and how you set clear expectations for your teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific examples of how you've driven improvements in asset reliability and labour effectiveness. Numbers speak volumes, so bring those stats along!
✨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 and engaged in their job search. Let's get you that Head of Operations role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in high-volume food or FMCG manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and achievements in operational performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Operations role. Mention specific examples of how you've improved efficiency and led large teams in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve reliability or reduce costs? Use numbers to back up your claims and show us the impact you’ve made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Drayton Partners
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their production processes, key performance indicators (KPIs), and any recent challenges they've faced. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience can directly benefit their operational performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Operations, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead large teams effectively. Discuss specific instances where you've set clear expectations and driven accountability, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios from your past where you improved efficiency or reliability. Be ready to explain your structured approach and the outcomes of your actions, as this will demonstrate your pragmatic mindset.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with trends in the food manufacturing and FMCG sectors. Being commercially aware will help you discuss how external factors might impact the business. This knowledge will position you as a strategic thinker who can contribute to the company's long-term success.
