At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing and operational performance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Laurelle London, a leading UK manufacturer in beauty and personal care.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary and the chance to shape operations.
- Other info: Opportunity for real autonomy and influence in a high-impact position.
- Why this job: Play a key role in scaling a fast-growing, entrepreneurial business.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in manufacturing or operations, ideally at senior level.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Laurelle London is a leading UK-based manufacturer specialising in the development, formulation, and supply of fine fragrance, as well as a wide range of health, beauty, and personal care products. With a diverse and expanding client portfolio, we deliver a seamless end-to-end service — from concept creation through to production and fulfilment.
Following a sustained period of growth, we are now entering the next phase of our journey and are looking to appoint an Operations Director to help scale and strengthen our operational capability.
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the business. Based at our large-scale manufacturing site in Essex, you will take full ownership of operations — spanning manufacturing, supply chain, and fulfilment. This is not a “steady-state” role. It is an opportunity to shape, build, and elevate the operational function, bringing structure, scalability, and accountability across people, processes, and systems. You will lead from the front, quickly establish credibility, and drive high performance across a sizeable, multi-functional team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and optimise end-to-end manufacturing and operational performance
- Define and execute supplier strategy, driving value, reliability, and scalability
- Ensure robust quality, compliance, and regulatory standards across all operations
- Build, develop, and align cross-functional teams with clear accountability and performance metrics
- Design and implement scalable processes across business functions
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, delivering efficiency gains and cost-per-unit reductions
- Maintain full ownership of health & safety, ensuring audit-ready compliance at all times
About You
- Proven leadership experience within manufacturing or operations, ideally at senior management or director level
- Background in cosmetics, beauty, or FMCG, with strong knowledge of regulated manufacturing and batch compliance
- Experience operating within a £20M–£80M product-based business
- Track record of overseeing multiple operational functions at a senior level
- Strong expertise in supplier management and strategic sourcing
- Experience across both DTC and wholesale distribution models
- Demonstrable experience adhering to GMP and BRC standards
- Commercially minded, with a clear understanding of how operational performance impacts brand perception and customer experience
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to play a key role in scaling a fast-growing, entrepreneurial business
- High-impact position with real autonomy and influence
- A chance to build and shape operations for the next stage of growth
- An excellent renumeration package is on offer
If you have the experience and ambition to take on a transformative operational leadership role, we’d love to hear from you.
Director of Operations in Chelmsford employer: Laurelle London
Laurelle London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and growth are at the forefront. As a Director of Operations based in Essex, you will have the unique opportunity to shape and elevate our operational capabilities within a thriving manufacturing setting, supported by a competitive remuneration package and a culture that values autonomy and high performance. Join us to lead a multi-functional team and drive impactful change in a fast-growing business dedicated to excellence in the beauty and personal care industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. 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 products, values, and recent news. We want you to walk in there with confidence, ready to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate how your leadership experience and operational expertise can elevate their business. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Operations Director. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing and operations, especially in cosmetics or FMCG. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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 pivotal role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational performance and led teams to success.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes where possible, like efficiency gains or cost reductions. We love numbers that tell a story about your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laurelle London
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Laurelle London's operations. Understand their manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, and how they ensure quality compliance. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance their operational capabilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Operations Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've built and aligned cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership led to improved performance and accountability.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in regulated environments like cosmetics or FMCG. Be ready to discuss how you implemented scalable processes and drove continuous improvement.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research Laurelle London's growth journey and their vision for the future. During the interview, express how your experience aligns with their goals. Discuss how you can contribute to scaling their operations and enhancing brand perception through effective operational strategies.
