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- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations in a high-volume food manufacturing site.
- Company: Established UK food manufacturing business with a strong investment in growth.
- 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 on business performance.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational leadership within food or FMCG sectors.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are partnering with an established UK food manufacturing business operating a large, high-volume site in the North West. It is well invested, with the scale and complexity to offer a genuinely senior operational leadership challenge.
The role involves reporting to the Managing Director and 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.
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
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.
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.
Head of Operations (Food Manufacturing) in Warrington employer: Drayton
Contact Detail:
Drayton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Food Manufacturing) in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Head of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operational challenges and think about how your experience in improving reliability and efficiency can make a difference. We want you to shine when discussing your hands-on leadership style!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements with numbers! When discussing your past roles, highlight specific KPIs you’ve improved or efficiencies you’ve driven. We love seeing concrete examples of how you’ve led large teams to success in high-volume environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate leaders ready to take on the challenge of driving operational performance in food manufacturing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Food Manufacturing) in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the key responsibilities and criteria mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, especially in high-volume food or FMCG environments, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your achievements in improving operational performance and leading large teams.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you lead! In your application, share examples of how you've set clear expectations and driven improvements in your previous roles. This will help us see your structured and pragmatic approach in action.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Drayton
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to food manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in operational performance, such as safety, quality, and efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your people leadership skills. Think about times when you successfully led large teams, set clear expectations, and fostered accountability. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and motivate a workforce effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to operational challenges. Practice articulating your structured and pragmatic approach to problem-solving, especially under pressure, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company’s operations and any recent news or developments in the food manufacturing sector. Showing that you’re commercially aware and understand the complexities of their business will set you apart from other candidates.
