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- Tasks: Lead the setup and management of a new UK operation in the horticultural supply chain.
- Company: Join a successful European leader in connecting high-quality plants with major retailers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape a growing team.
- Why this job: Be a pivotal figure in expanding operations and making a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in Operations Management, with expertise in Fresh Produce or Horticulture.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with autonomy and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a results-oriented leader who is highly organised, commercially astute, and meticulous about quality? Do you possess the technical depth to manage a complex perishable supply chain and the confidence to establish and grow a new operation from the ground up? Crucially, do you lead by example, with a naturally relaxed and open-minded approach, being a highly visible presence among your team, driving operational excellence?
We are a highly successful European leader in the horticultural supply chain, known for connecting high-quality plants and products with major retailers across the continent. As we embark on a strategic expansion into the UK, we aren’t just looking for an employee; we are looking for a leader.
This is a pivotal, hands-on role for an operational architect. You will be our figurehead operational representative on the ground in the UK, tasked with taking our proven European model and establishing a robust, scalable presence. If you have the ambition to lead an operation that aims to double its client base in the next 3-5 years, I want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:- Operational Leadership & Setup:
- Establishment: Lead the operational setup of the new UK entity, including initial site selection, logistics partner onboarding, and process implementation in coordination with the Group Head Office.
- End-to-End Management: Oversee all UK logistics, warehousing, inventory control, and distribution activities to ensure on-time delivery and product quality.
- Scalability: Implement operations and infrastructure that are robust and scalable to support the company’s objective of doubling the UK client base over the next 3-5 years.
- Quality, Compliance & Audit Management:
- Technical Expertise: Serve as the technical authority on the handling, storage, and quality assurance of fresh produce/horticultural products.
- Commercial Compliance: Prepare for and successfully manage rigorous commercial audits required by key UK retail partners, including major supermarkets and garden centre chains.
- Team Leadership & Cultural Presence:
- Visible Leadership: Be a hands-on, present leader who actively engages with and supports the growing UK operational team (once hired).
- Culture Building: Foster a relaxed, open-minded, and collaborative team culture that encourages feedback, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Empowerment: Delegate effectively and empower team members, promoting accountability and professional development.
- Cross-Border Coordination & Communication:
- Head Office Liaison: Act as the primary operational interface between the UK entity and the Head Office in the Netherlands, ensuring alignment on strategy, reporting, and operational performance.
- Travel: Attend mandatory quarterly trips to the European Head Office in the Netherlands for strategy, reporting, and team meetings.
- Autonomy: Successfully manage the UK operations independently, demonstrating high levels of confidence, initiative, and self-motivation while working autonomously.
- Experience: Proven track record of at least 3-5 years in an Operations Management role within a fast-paced environment.
- Sector Expertise (Non-Negotiable): Essential technical knowledge and experience operating within the Fresh Produce or Horticulture supply chain sector.
- Commercial Audit Proficiency: Demonstrable experience in preparing for and successfully passing commercial audits from major UK retailers (e.g., Tesco, large garden centre groups).
- Leadership Style: Evidence of successful team leadership, characterised by a present, engaging, and approachable demeanour.
- Strategic Planning: Experience designing and implementing operational strategies that support significant business growth (e.g., managing a client base expansion).
- Travel: Flexibility and willingness to undertake mandatory quarterly travel to the Netherlands.
UK Operations Manager employer: MOrePeople
Contact Detail:
MOrePeople Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the horticultural supply chain sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in operations management and your knowledge of fresh produce logistics. We want to see that you can lead and grow operations effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Be visible and approachable! If you’re invited for an interview, remember to engage with everyone you meet. Your leadership style should shine through—be relaxed, open-minded, and ready to share your vision for operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team as we expand into the UK. Let’s build something great together!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership style. We want to see how you engage with your team and foster a collaborative culture. Share specific examples of how you've led teams in the past and the impact it had on operations.
Demonstrate Your Sector Expertise: Since we're looking for someone with a solid background in the Fresh Produce or Horticulture supply chain, be sure to showcase your relevant experience. Talk about your technical knowledge and any successful projects you've managed in this sector to really stand out.
Be Results-Oriented: We love candidates who are results-driven! In your application, mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence and growth. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success and show us what you can bring to the table.
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at MOrePeople
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the fresh produce and horticulture supply chain. Be ready to discuss specific challenges and solutions you've encountered in previous roles, especially those related to logistics and quality assurance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style. Think about times when you’ve successfully engaged a team or fostered a collaborative culture. This role requires a visible leader, so be ready to demonstrate how you lead by example.
✨Be Audit-Ready
Since commercial audits are a big part of this role, come prepared with insights on how you've navigated audits in the past. Discuss your approach to compliance and quality management, and any specific experiences with major UK retailers.
✨Strategic Vision for Growth
Articulate your vision for establishing and scaling operations in the UK. Think about how you would implement strategies to double the client base and be ready to share your ideas on operational excellence and infrastructure development.
