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- Tasks: Lead and optimise food manufacturing operations during exciting growth.
- Company: Premium food manufacturing business focused on quality and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
- Why this job: Directly influence growth and customer performance in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in food manufacturing with strong operational and financial acumen.
- Other info: Opportunity for future progression within a growing food group.
The predicted salary is between 86000 - 104000 £ per year.
A growing, premium food manufacturing business is seeking an Operations Director to lead and optimise its end-to-end manufacturing function during an exciting period of expansion. Operating within the ambient food category and supplying major retail and foodservice customers through branded and third party manufacturing goods, the business is focused on scaling production capability, improving operational efficiency and strengthening customer service performance.
This is a pivotal leadership role with full accountability for manufacturing, engineering and operational delivery.
The role: Reporting into the business CEO, you will take ownership of the operational function, ensuring that sales growth is supported by robust manufacturing execution, strong supply chain discipline and best-in-class service levels. The remit includes:
- Contract manufacturing and co-packer management
- Branded goods
- Supply chain and demand planning
- Procurement and supplier performance
- Warehousing and distribution
- SHEQ and food safety governance
- Process improvement and operational excellence
- Field-based technical and customer support where required
This function is responsible for turning commercial opportunity into operational reality — delivering safe, compliant, high-quality food products on time and in full, while maintaining margin discipline.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead all operational matters across food manufacturing and supply chain
- Ensure OTIF performance and service levels meet retailer expectations
- Oversee manufacturing to ensure food safety, quality and efficiency standards are met
- Drive continuous improvement across production planning, inventory management and logistics
- Lead Sales & Operations Planning processes to align forecast, capacity and supply
- Own operational budgets, cost control and working capital performance (including stock and aged WIP)
- Deliver weekly operational and financial forward-looking reporting
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene and regulatory standards
- Collaborate closely with Technical, NPD and Commercial teams to support product launches
- Lead capital investment planning and operational infrastructure development
- Manage procurement strategy to protect margin and ensure supply continuity
- Recruit, develop and mentor high-performing operational teams
- Implement lean manufacturing and supply chain best practices
- Resolve complex operational or customer service challenges with pace and accountability
- Create a strong succession plan for all key roles
The person: We are seeking a senior operations leader with deep experience in food manufacturing. Degree educated (engineering, food manufacturing, supply chain or related discipline) with 10+ years’ experience within food manufacturing or FMCG production environments. Strong understanding of ambient food production and co-manufacturing models, experience managing retailer-facing supply chains, and demonstrable success delivering operational efficiency and cost improvement are essential.
You will demonstrate:
- Strategic oversight with strong operational detail orientation
- Deep understanding of S&OP and demand planning within food environments
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary operational teams
- High standards around food safety, compliance and quality
- Ability to operate at pace in a growing business
- Strong analytical capability and structured problem solving
- A hands‑on leadership style with clear accountability
- Experience within branded and private label food supply would be highly advantageous.
Why Consider This Role?
- Full operational ownership within a scaling food manufacturer
- Opportunity to strengthen manufacturing and supply chain capability
- Direct influence on growth trajectory and customer performance
- High visibility within a lean, ambitious leadership team
- Platform for future progression within a growing food group
This opportunity will suit a commercially astute, operationally disciplined leader who understands the complexities of food manufacturing and thrives on delivering performance in a growth environment.
To apply please email your CV to kate.hamilton@hprtalent.com
Director of Manufacturing employer: HPRExecutive
Contact Detail:
HPRExecutive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. We want you to walk in with confidence, showing them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Operations Director. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which are key traits for any leadership role.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Director. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any relevant achievements that showcase your operational excellence and leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around supply chain management and process improvement.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you lead teams! In your application, give examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and tackled operational challenges. This will help us see your hands-on leadership style in action.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at HPRExecutive
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Manufacturing, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of operational metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators like OTIF (On Time In Full) and cost control measures. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these metrics in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leadership approach. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in mentoring teams and driving operational excellence. Think about specific situations where you resolved challenges or implemented lean practices.
✨Understand the Food Safety Landscape
Food safety is paramount in this industry. Familiarise yourself with current regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance and quality in previous positions, as well as any initiatives you've led to enhance food safety standards.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company’s vision and recent developments in the food manufacturing sector. Be ready to articulate how your strategic oversight can align with their growth trajectory and operational goals. This shows you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company's future.