At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency across 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 the opportunity to influence business performance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior operations leadership within high-volume food or FMCG environments.
- 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.
The person
This role will suit an experienced operations leader from a high-volume food or FMCG manufacturing environment, comfortable running complex, asset-intensive operations.
- 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 London employer: Drayton Partners
Contact Detail:
Drayton Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London
✨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 opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their operations, challenges, and successes. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in leading their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've improved operational performance or led large teams in the past. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your hands-on approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to take on the challenge.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in London
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 any relevant achievements.
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 operational performance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see how you lead large teams! In your application, share your approach to people management and how you set clear expectations. This will help us understand your fit for the hands-on nature of 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 this exciting opportunity.
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 processes, challenges, and successes. Be ready to discuss how your experience in high-volume food or FMCG manufacturing can directly improve their operational performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your people leadership skills. Discuss how you've successfully led large teams, set clear expectations, and driven accountability. This role is hands-on, so demonstrate your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your structured and pragmatic approach to operational challenges. Think of specific instances where you improved reliability or efficiency under pressure, and be prepared to walk through your thought process.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the food manufacturing industry, especially around own-label and customer-led environments. Show that you're commercially aware and can operate effectively within the complexities of the business.