At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise food manufacturing operations during an exciting growth phase.
- Company: A premium food manufacturing business focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression within a growing food group.
- 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.
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:
- Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
- 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.
- 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)
- 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
- Demonstrable success delivering operational efficiency and cost improvement
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
- 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 in England employer: HPRExecutive
Join a dynamic and expanding premium food manufacturing business that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team while enjoying a competitive salary, car allowance, and bonus structure. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and making a significant impact in the food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Manufacturing in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. 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 challenges in the food manufacturing sector. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Operations Director. Highlight your achievements in operational efficiency and team leadership to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Manufacturing in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and operational leadership, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Operations Director role. Share your passion for food manufacturing and how your skills can help us scale our operations.
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 show us your hands-on approach and accountability.
Apply Through Our Website:While you can email your CV, we encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at HPRExecutive
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Manufacturing, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to operational efficiency, cost control, and supply chain performance. 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 leading multi-disciplinary teams and mentoring high-performing individuals. Share specific instances where your leadership made a tangible difference in operational outcomes.
✨Understand the Food Safety Landscape
Food safety is paramount in this industry. Familiarise yourself with current regulations and best practices in food manufacturing. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance and quality in previous positions, as well as any challenges you've overcome.
✨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 goals, particularly in scaling production and improving customer service performance. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture too.
