At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a dynamic FMCG environment.
- Company: Join a global market leader with a strong focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90k, permanent role, and career growth.
- Other info: Engaging work culture with opportunities for travel and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree educated with experience in manufacturing and warehousing.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 90000 £ per year.
The Head of Operations is responsible for managing third‑party manufacturing and warehousing partners, ensuring strong performance across service, cost, quality, and compliance. The role oversees operational delivery from bulk availability through to finished goods, supports New Product Development, leads the technical and quality agenda, and ensures accurate stock, data, and financial control.
This is an opportunity to join a global, market‑leading FMCG business with a strong heritage and an even stronger focus on the future. Known for combining scale with innovation, the organisation invests heavily in its people, values long‑term thinking, and encourages collaboration across functions and regions. Employees benefit from genuine ownership, exposure to senior stakeholders, and the chance to make a visible impact in a fast‑moving, high‑quality environment.
Description
- Strategic & Leadership
- Contribute to the long‑term supply chain vision with clear milestones and delivery plans
- Actively participate in senior management forums, shaping operational priorities and performance
- Lead, develop, and manage the operational team, including performance, engagement, and progression
- Provide cover for senior supply chain leadership where required
- Manufacturing & Warehousing Operations
- Manage and optimise third‑party manufacturing and warehousing contracts
- Lead contract reviews, renegotiations, and mid‑term amendments
- Drive performance and continuous improvement through reviews, targets, and projects
- Ensure manufacturing and warehousing capacity aligns with current and future demand
- Approve bottling and warehousing invoices and manage operational budgets
- Quality, Technical & Compliance
- Own the quality agenda, including technical reviews, complaint investigation, and root cause analysis
- Support and oversee the technical function to ensure food safety, legal, and ethical compliance
- Ensure products and packaging meet all regulatory requirements
- Supply, Stock & Data Control
- Ensure accurate reconciliation of physical stock and system records across bulk and warehouse locations
- Maintain high standards of master data accuracy, bills of materials, and specifications
- Coordinate bulk availability to minimise supply gaps while maintaining quality and specification targets
- Innovation & Value Engineering
- Ensure innovation and NPD projects are delivered on time and to specification
- Coordinate operational elements of product rework and promotional activity
- Identify and deliver value engineering opportunities
- Lead materials tenders, manage pricing files, and negotiate minimum order quantities
- Financial & Performance Management
- Manage and track departmental KPIs and performance against targets
- Coordinate operational inputs related to taxes and levies (e.g. packaging‑related charges)
- Support improvements in customer service through operational excellence
Profile
Ideally degree educated or equivalent. Proven experience managing manufacturing and warehousing operations, ideally within FMCG. Contract manufacturing experience is highly desirable. Regular national UK travel, and some European and International travel expected for this role. Ideal home location for the successful applicant is the West Midlands or the North of England.
Job Offer
Competitive salary ranging up to £90k per annum. Permanent position in a reputable company within the FMCG sector. Opportunity to lead and shape operations within a thriving organisation. Engaging work environment with a focus on innovation and excellence. If you are an experienced professional seeking a leadership role in the FMCG industry, we encourage you to apply and take the next step in your career.
Head Of Operations employer: Michael Page Sales
Join a global, market-leading FMCG business that prioritises innovation and employee development. With a strong focus on collaboration and long-term thinking, this company offers a dynamic work environment where you can take ownership of your role, engage with senior stakeholders, and make a significant impact in a fast-paced industry. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, opportunities for progression, and the chance to lead operations in a reputable organisation committed to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local FMCG events. 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 operations. Understand their supply chain vision and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements in managing manufacturing and warehousing operations. Highlight specific examples of how you've driven performance and continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our innovative team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in managing manufacturing and warehousing operations, especially within FMCG. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our operational excellence. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a potential leader, we want to see examples of how you've developed and managed teams in the past. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to engage and progress your team while driving performance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Sales
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their supply chain, manufacturing processes, and warehousing strategies. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and driving performance. Be ready to discuss how you've engaged and developed your team in previous roles, as this is crucial for a Head of Operations position.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions around quality control, compliance, and technical reviews. Brush up on relevant regulations and standards in the FMCG sector, and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about the long-term vision for operations and how you can align with the company's goals. Prepare to discuss your approach to strategic planning and how you've successfully implemented operational improvements in the past.
