At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a fast-growing food manufacturing business, ensuring efficiency and quality.
- Company: Dynamic food manufacturing company focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of operations.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving operational excellence and supporting significant business growth.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in food manufacturing and strong operational control skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location
East-Midlands
Reporting to
CEO
The Opportunity
Our client is looking to welcome an experienced
Head of Operations to take overall responsibility for the operational performance of a fast-growing food manufacturing business.
Reporting directly to the CEO and operating as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will have end-to-end accountability across production, warehousing, inventory, dispatch and logistics .
This is a pivotal role for an operational leader who can bring the structure, capability, commercial focus and operational discipline required to support significant growth.
The successful candidate will ideally have a proven track record of scaling or transforming operations within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial SME environment .
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across production, warehousing, inventory, dispatch and logistics.
- Develop and implement the operational strategy required to support rapid and sustainable business growth.
- Build robust capacity plans covering labour, shifts, equipment, production capability, storage and transport .
- Ensure operational performance consistently meets the required standards for safety, quality, service, efficiency, waste and cost .
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the end-to-end operation.
- Establish clear performance measures, KPIs and accountability across operational teams.
- Develop and strengthen the management team, creating a high-performing culture with clear ownership and responsibility.
- Work closely with the CEO and wider SLT on commercial, financial and strategic decisions.
- Support major customer launches, operational change programmes and capital investment projects.
- Ensure the operation is appropriately structured, resourced and equipped to support future growth.
- Maintain a strong presence on the factory floor, providing hands‑on leadership while operating effectively at strategic and board-level discussions.
- Identify operational risks and opportunities proactively, developing practical solutions before issues become critical.
Essential Experience & Capabilities
The successful candidate will have
Senior leadership experience within food manufacturing.
- Proven accountability extending beyond production into warehousing, inventory, stock control, dispatch and logistics .
- Strong experience of capacity planning across labour, shifts, equipment, storage and transport.
- A demonstrable track record of successfully scaling, transforming or significantly improving an operation .
- Strong operational control across health & safety, quality, customer service, labour efficiency, waste and cost .
- Good commercial and financial understanding, with the ability to understand how operational decisions impact profitability and business performance.
- Strong people leadership skills, with a track record of developing managers and building capable, accountable teams.
- The credibility and practical understanding to lead effectively from the factory floor, combined with the strategic capability to operate as a member of the SLT.
- The Ideal Candidate
You are likely to be someone who
- Has worked within a growing, entrepreneurial SME , ideally in a high-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Has experience supporting significant customer launches, business growth and/or major capital investment.
- Is data-led, proactive and solutions-focused , using information to drive better operational decisions.
- Brings structure and discipline without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
- Builds strong management capability rather than relying on constant firefighting.
- Is commercially minded and understands the balance between service, growth, quality, people and profitability .
- Is comfortable working at both a strategic level and getting directly involved in operational challenges when required.
- Has the energy, resilience and leadership style needed to take an operation through a significant period of growth and change.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Operations employer: drnewitt.vincere.io
As a leading employer in the Facilities Management sector, we prioritise our employees' well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday entitlement, corporate discounts, and private medical options. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and accountability, empowering our General Managers to drive commercial success while ensuring high standards of safety and client satisfaction across diverse projects nationwide. Join us to be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and sustainable growth in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨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
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.
