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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth and innovation for the UK food and drink industry.
- Company: Join the Food and Drink Federation, the voice of the UK's largest manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for professional development and impactful work.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation that champions sustainability and innovation in food and drink.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in commercial growth and operational management is essential.
- Other info: Apply by 1st June 2025 to shape the future of the food and drink sector.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Contract Type: Full time permanent
Location: London
About Food & Drink Federation
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the voice of the UK food and drink industry, the largest manufacturing sector in the country. We represent and support our members, which range from global brands to small and medium-sized enterprises, in navigating the complex regulatory landscape and driving sustainable growth. Our mission is to ensure that the UK food and drink industry remains competitive, innovative, and resilient. We achieve this through robust policy advocacy, strategic initiatives, and by fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and excellence.
Overview of the role of Chief Operating Officer
In this newly created role as Chief Operating Officer, you will hold overall strategic responsibility for ensuring that FDF has clear and ambitious plans for future income and member growth. You will lead our efforts to recruit and retain members, diversify commercial income, and ensure our digital platforms are modern and well-utilized. Your remit will encompass financial, IT, HR, facilities, membership, digital, and commercial matters, ensuring the cohesive delivery of corporate functions.
As the Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for:
- Membership Growth: Drive membership growth and retention across the sector, from SMEs to large companies, ensuring we meet their diverse needs.
- Commercial Success: Develop and implement marketing initiatives to drive commercial income and oversee flagship events that align with our strategic objectives.
- Digital Innovation: Maximise the functionality of our digital platforms, engaging staff and members to build FDF’s impact.
- Corporate Services: Provide strategic oversight of finance, HR, facilities, and IT to ensure operational excellence.
- Leadership:Contribute to corporate strategic planning and professional development initiatives as a key member of the leadership team.
To qualify for the role of Chief Operating Officer, you must have demonstrable experience of:
- Leading and managing diverse teams and delivering outstanding results particularly in the context of commercial growth and operational management within an organisation.
- Using your background in digital communications and stakeholder management to deliver meaningful results which are aligned to the strategic objectives, mission and values of an organisation.
- Innovating and driving change / commercial evolution through your strategic mindset, commercial acumen and emotional intelligence.
- Excellent people skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams to design and deliver complex programmes.
- Experience in the food and drink sector or membership organisations is considered highly advantageous.
To apply for the role of Chief Operating Officer with Food & Drink Federation (FDF)
For more information on the opportunity of Chief Operating Officer of Food and Drink Federation please get in touch with Tom Ewen on thomas.ewen@berwickpartners.co.uk from our selected search partner, Berwick Partners. Alternatively, please click on this link to see the full job profile, job description and person specification.
To apply please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a covering statement which highlights your motivations towards this opportunity and capabilities in a position of this kind. Please simply click on the Apply for this Role button on the relevant Berwick Partners job page.
The close date for your application is set for 1 st June 2025
This is the privacy policy relating to the protection of FDF job applicants\’ information. The FDF will ensure that data is always processed in accordance with the provisions of relevant data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the convenor, adviser and voice of the UK food & drink industry, the largest manufacturing sector in the country.
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Chief Operating Officer employer: Food and Drink Federation
Contact Detail:
Food and Drink Federation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the food and drink industry to build relationships with key stakeholders. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to connect with potential collaborators and gain insights into current trends and challenges.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your understanding of digital innovation by researching the latest technologies and platforms used in membership organisations. Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage these tools to enhance member engagement and operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed diverse teams in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your strategic mindset led to commercial growth or operational improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the Food and Drink Federation's mission and values. Tailor your discussions to align with their goals, demonstrating your commitment to supporting the UK food and drink industry and driving sustainable growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Chief Operating Officer position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Compelling Covering Statement: Your covering statement should clearly express your motivations for applying and how your skills align with the role. Focus on your experience in leading diverse teams, driving commercial growth, and your understanding of the food and drink sector.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage operations, innovate, and lead teams effectively. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in similar positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and covering statement for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Food and Drink Federation
✨Understand the Industry
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the food and drink sector. Being knowledgeable about the industry will demonstrate your commitment and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams and driven commercial growth. Highlight your strategic mindset and emotional intelligence, as these are crucial for the role of Chief Operating Officer.
✨Emphasise Digital Innovation
Discuss your experience with digital platforms and how you've maximised their functionality in previous roles. Be ready to share ideas on how you would enhance FDF's digital presence to support membership growth and engagement.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Anticipate questions related to corporate strategy and operational excellence. Think about how you would approach membership retention and commercial success, and be prepared to articulate your vision clearly.
