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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a dynamic food and beverage distribution environment.
- Company: Join goodnus, a sustainability-focused leader in office refreshments.
- Benefits: Direct board exposure, clear progression to Operations Director, and autonomy in your role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a values-driven business committed to sustainability.
- Qualifications: 3-5+ years in senior operations, with strong food safety and compliance knowledge.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, innovative company.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Harlow
Reporting to: Board
Progression: Clear pathway to Operations Director (18-24 months)
About Goodnus
goodnus Ltd is a leading food and beverage distribution business supplying office refreshments to some of London’s most iconic workplaces. Our range includes milk and alternatives, fruit, snacks, tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and chilled drinks. We are a sustainability-focused, SALSA-accredited business, committed to reducing environmental impact through local sourcing, waste reduction, and efficient inventory and delivery models.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to take full responsibility for all operational activity across the business. This is a senior, board-reporting role overseeing warehouses, logistics, fleet, food safety, health & safety, compliance, and operational people management. You will lead operational managers, embed scalable processes, ensure audit readiness, and support business growth while protecting service quality, safety, and margins.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all warehouse, logistics, fleet, and fulfilment operations
- Set and deliver operational strategy aligned to growth
- Senior ownership of food safety, health & safety, and compliance (SALSA, HACCP, SafeContractor)
- Oversee temperature-controlled environments and out-of-hours delivery operations
- Lead, develop, and manage operational teams and managers
- Drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and waste reduction
- Report operational performance, risks, and KPIs to the Board
Experience & Requirements
- 3–5+ years in a senior operational leadership role (food, FMCG, logistics, or temperature-controlled environment)
- Experience in a fast-growing or scale-up business
- Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, allergens, and compliance
- Multi-site warehouse and logistics experience
- Fleet and refrigerated vehicle exposure
- Confident reporting at senior leadership level
- Full UK driving licence
Preferred Qualifications
- HACCP Level 2+
- Food Safety Level 3
- IOSH or NEBOSH
- SALSA / SafeContractor audit experience
Why Join goodnus?
- Senior role with direct board exposure
- Clear progression to Operations Director
- Sustainability-led, values-driven business
- Real autonomy to shape and scale operations
How to Apply
Please apply with a short covering letter outlining your experience and why you’d be a great fit. goodnus Ltd is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.
Head of Operations – Food & Beverage Distribution in Harlow employer: Goodnus
Contact Detail:
Goodnus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations – Food & Beverage Distribution in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Goodnus and its operations. Show us you understand our commitment to sustainability and how you can contribute to that mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Operations. Highlight your leadership skills and operational successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations – Food & Beverage Distribution in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in operations and how it aligns with our sustainability goals. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to see your passion for the role!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Operations, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire teams. Use your application to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven operational improvements in previous roles.
Be Specific About Your Experience: We love details! When outlining your experience, be specific about your achievements in food safety, compliance, and logistics. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, like HACCP or IOSH, to make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goodnus
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in all aspects of operations, especially in food safety and compliance. Brush up on SALSA and HACCP standards, as well as any relevant regulations. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but are genuinely passionate about maintaining high standards.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you’ve successfully managed teams. Use specific examples to illustrate how you’ve driven operational improvements or handled challenges in a fast-paced environment. This will help them see you as a strong candidate for leading their operational teams.
✨Align with Their Sustainability Goals
Since goodnus is focused on sustainability, be ready to talk about your experience with waste reduction and local sourcing. Share any initiatives you’ve led that align with their values, showing that you’re not only a fit for the role but also for their company culture.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their future growth plans or how they measure success in operations. It shows you’re engaged and serious about the role, plus it gives you insight into whether this is the right fit for you.
