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- Tasks: Lead UK operations for a global FMCG brand, driving efficiency and innovation.
- Company: Join a leading global FMCG organisation with a diverse brand portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career-defining role, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Shape operational strategy and drive sustainable growth in a major business.
- Qualifications: Proven operations leader with experience in manufacturing and supply chain.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client is a leading global FMCG organisation with a broad portfolio of brands and an ambitious growth agenda across international markets. As part of global succession planning and its continued investment in operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability, the business is seeking to appoint an exceptional Operations Director to lead all of the UK operations, including but not limited to its end-to-end manufacturing, supply chain, packaging and engineering functions across multiple UK sites.
The Role
- Reporting to the Global Managing Director, the Operations Director will hold full accountability for production, packaging, engineering, procurement, logistics and supply chain, delivering outstanding performance across safety, quality, cost, service and sustainability.
- Develop and execute an integrated production and operational strategy that supports the company’s medium and long-term growth ambitions.
- Lead a strong safety-first culture across all sites, ensuring best-in-class standards of health, safety and environmental performance.
- Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence through Lean manufacturing principles and ISO-aligned processes.
- Oversee a robust Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to balance supply with demand across global markets.
- Take ownership for the financial performance of Operations, including P&L delivery, cost control, and capital expenditure planning.
- Lead the sustainability agenda across operations, embedding measurable environmental and efficiency improvements.
- Ensure procurement of key raw materials, packaging and utilities is strategic, cost-effective, and risk-managed.
- Champion innovation in manufacturing and packaging to enable product development and commercial agility.
- Build and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and talent growth.
- Represent Operations as a strategic partner to the commercial, marketing and finance functions, contributing to wider business growth initiatives and potential M&A activity.
The Person
- You will be a proven operations leader within a consumer goods environment, with experience managing multiple sites and large, multidisciplinary teams.
- Commercially astute and strategically minded, you combine technical depth with the ability to translate strategy into measurable operational delivery.
- Significant senior leadership experience across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain and logistics.
- Proven track record of P&L management and delivering continuous improvement across multi-site operations.
- Degree in Engineering, Science, or Operations/Supply Chain discipline; MBA advantageous.
- Strong understanding of Lean, ISO, and modern manufacturing systems.
- Skilled in leading capital investment programmes and implementing digital and automation initiatives.
- A visible, confident and resilient leader capable of motivating diverse teams and influencing across functions and geographies.
Why Apply
This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the operational strategy of a major global FMCG business — driving efficiency, innovation and sustainable growth at scale – whilst being hired as the key succession plan for the Managing Director role.
Operations Director employer: FWB
Contact Detail:
FWB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their brands, values, and recent news. We want you to walk in there ready to discuss how you can drive operational excellence and sustainability in their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven continuous improvement. We need to see that you can motivate diverse teams and influence across functions.
✨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. We’re here to help you every step of the way in landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in managing multiple sites and leading large teams, as well as your achievements in operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with the company's ambitious growth agenda. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of Lean and ISO principles!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Operations Director, leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at FWB
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their supply chain, manufacturing processes, and sustainability initiatives. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration, as this is crucial for the Operations Director role.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Highlight your experience with Lean manufacturing principles and ISO standards. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these practices in previous roles to drive efficiency and cost savings, as this aligns perfectly with the company's goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be representing Operations as a strategic partner, think about how you've contributed to broader business growth initiatives. Prepare to discuss your experience with P&L management and capital investment programmes, showcasing your commercial acumen.
