At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations in a fast-growing healthy food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic, family-owned brand focused on healthy snacking.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth and influence in a values-driven company.
- Other info: Be part of an entrepreneurial team with ambitious growth plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of a respected food brand.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
This is not a “steady state” operations role. This is an opportunity to join a fast-growing, privately owned healthy snacking and food brand at a pivotal stage of its journey. Having successfully expanded from one manufacturing site to two, the business is now looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Head of Operations to help lead the next phase of growth. The company has built a strong reputation within the healthy food and snacking sector through quality, innovation, customer partnerships and an entrepreneurial mindset. Still family-owned, the culture is agile, hands‑on and fast paced — offering the opportunity to genuinely influence the future direction of the business. We are looking for a leader who thrives in a growing SME environment. Someone who can combine strategic operational leadership with a visible, hands‑on presence across production, engineering, warehouse and technical functions.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take full operational responsibility across the manufacturing operation, leading teams across production, engineering, warehousing and logistics. This is a key leadership appointment for the business — focused on driving operational excellence, building scalable processes, improving efficiencies, developing teams and supporting continued growth across multiple sites. You will play a central role in shaping the future capability of the operation while maintaining the high standards, agility and culture that have made the business successful.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all day‑to‑day manufacturing and operational activity across the sites
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production, engineering and logistics
- Develop scalable systems, processes and operational KPIs to support future growth
- Lead, motivate and develop operational teams and future leaders
- Ensure exceptional standards across health & safety, quality, compliance and food safety
- Work closely with senior leadership on operational strategy, performance and investment
- Improve efficiencies, reduce waste and maximise productivity across the operation
- Support engineering, maintenance and capex planning to minimise downtime and increase capability
- Oversee warehousing and distribution performance to ensure customer service excellence
- Build a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
About You
We are looking for an ambitious operational leader who wants to grow with the business. You will likely come from a food manufacturing environment and have experience leading fast‑paced production operations with a strong engineering or technical appreciation. You will be:
- A hands‑on leader who enjoys being visible on the factory floor
- Commercially aware with strong operational and financial understanding
- Experienced in driving efficiencies, process improvements and team performance
- Comfortable operating within a growing SME environment where adaptability matters
- Passionate about people leadership, culture and developing teams
- Experienced within food manufacturing, ideally FMCG, snacks or healthy food production
- Knowledgeable in BRC, HACCP and operational compliance standards
- Experience with ERP systems and protein or healthy food manufacturing would be advantageous.
Why Join?
- Join an exciting and growing healthy foods brand at a critical stage of expansion
- Genuine opportunity to shape the future of the operation and business
- Work directly with an entrepreneurial leadership team
- Be part of a values‑driven, family‑owned business with strong growth ambitions
- Opportunity for long‑term progression and career growth as the business continues to scale
For ambitious operational leaders looking for more than just another factory management role, this is a chance to make a real impact within a growing and highly respected food manufacturing business.
Head of Operations in Haverhill employer: drnewitt.vincere.io
As a Quality Group Leader in Poole, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development through continuous training and support, ensuring you have the tools to excel in your role. With a commitment to innovation and compliance, we offer a rewarding environment where your contributions directly impact our success and the well-being of our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Haverhill
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like drnewitt.vincere.io, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Haverhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to drnewitt.vincere.io specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at drnewitt.vincere.io
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with drnewitt.vincere.io, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like drnewitt.vincere.io value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
