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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a fast-growing food manufacturing company and optimise production processes.
- Company: Food Lab, a leader in creating innovative white-label liquid products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for global impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food production and drive operational excellence on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to innovation and quality in the food industry.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Overview
About Food Lab
At Food Lab, we create the world’s best white-label liquids for brands you use every day. We ideate, formulate, and manufacture market-leading, customizable liquid products — from concept to production — helping brands move fast and stay ahead of consumer trends.
The Role
Food Lab is seeking a Founding Head of Operations to build and lead the operational backbone of our rapidly scaling business. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will oversee two production facilities in the US and London while managing a growing global operations team. You’ll shape the systems, processes, and structure that allow Food Lab to scale efficiently and deliver world-class quality at speed.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support two Plant Managers and their production teams, ensuring excellence across production, safety, and quality.
- Lead and support the supply chain team.
- Oversee the full production lifecycle — from sourcing and scheduling to fulfillment, logistics, and export/import compliance.
- Develop scalable systems, SOPs, and performance frameworks to optimize efficiency across all business units.
- Partner with the CEO and leadership team on strategic planning, forecasting, and capacity scaling.
- Manage relationships with suppliers, logistics partners, and key stakeholders to ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness.
- Build and lead a global operations team, scaling processes, and structure as the company grows internationally.
- Ensure best-in-class standards in food safety, regulatory compliance, and product traceability.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product, finance, and commercial teams to enable smooth business operations.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
Ideal Candidate
- Proven track record in food manufacturing, CPG, or a high-growth production environment.
- Experience scaling multi-site operations and leading cross-border teams.
- Strategic thinker with a bias for action — equally comfortable designing systems and getting hands-on to make them work.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and align diverse teams.
- Process-oriented, commercially minded, and excited to build something from the ground up.
Head of Operations in London employer: Food Lab
Contact Detail:
Food Lab 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 industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, especially at Food Lab. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built teams and improved processes in previous roles. This is key for a Head of Operations position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Food Lab team.
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 role of Head of Operations. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and scaling operations, as this is what we’re looking for. Use keywords from the job description to show you’re a perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about food production and how your strategic thinking can help us scale. Be genuine and let your personality come through — we want to know the real you!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re keen on strong leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you’ve led teams and improved processes in previous roles. This will help us see how you can inspire and align our diverse teams at Food Lab.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive — a quality we value highly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Food Lab
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Food Lab's operations. Understand their production processes, supply chain dynamics, and how they ensure quality and safety. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Operations, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to inspire teams, manage cross-border operations, and drive continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've built effective teams in high-growth environments.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic planning and capacity scaling. Think about how you've approached these topics in the past and be prepared to share specific strategies or frameworks you've implemented. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and bias for action.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with different departments like finance, product, and logistics. Highlight instances where your collaborative efforts led to operational success, showcasing your ability to align diverse teams towards common goals.