At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across two dynamic drinks manufacturing sites in Bradford and Glasgow.
- Company: Join Princes, a leading FMCG manufacturer with a commitment to quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a company that values people development and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in FMCG, strong financial acumen, and experience in high-speed operations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are currently looking for an experienced Head of Operations to join our teams here at Princes. The role will cover two of our impressive drinks manufacturing sites; Bradford & Glasgow.
Experience
- Proven leadership of a large‑scale FMCG manufacturing site, ideally beverages, dairy, brewing, or other liquid processing environments.
- Strong background in high‑speed bottling/canning, blending, or aseptic operations.
- Demonstrable success improving OEE, reducing cost per litre, and delivering major capex programmes.
- Experience managing unionised labour environments.
- Deep experience in UK grocery drinks market including customer expectations, service levels, and commercial drivers.
Role Requirements
Technical & Leadership Competencies
- Deep understanding of food safety standards (HACCP, BRCGS, ISO).
- Strong financial acumen: budgeting, cost control, and investment planning.
- Skilled in Lean/CI methodologies with a track record of sustainable implementation.
- Strong & broad knowledge of sector processing technologies & original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s).
- Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder‑management skills operating effectively from shop floor to Board level.
- Strategic thinker who can translate strategy into disciplined execution at pace.
Personal Attributes
- Decisive, resilient, and calm under pressure with the ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity.
- A highly visible, authentic leader who inspires trust and credibility on the shop floor.
- Commercially aware, data‑driven, and operationally hands‑on.
- Passionate about people development and continuous improvement and building high performing teams.
- High Intensity Change Management Skills, leading cultural and operational transformation with pace and purpose.
Benefits
- Cash car allowance
- 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
- 14.5% pension - 5% employee opt in / 9.5% employer
- Hybrid and flexible working - 4 days in office / 1 day WFH
- Flexible holiday option - buy 5 additional days
- Enhanced family friendly & carers policies
- Life assurance cover
- Private medical insurance
- Critical illness cover
- Learning and development opportunities.
About Princes
The Princes Group has over 7,000 employees with offices and production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius. Princes manufactures 350 different food and drink products responsibly sourced and enjoyed by consumers every day. None of this would be possible without striving to be an employer of choice, where our colleagues are proud to represent our business.
Head of Operations (Bradford & Glasgow) employer: Princes Group
Princes is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on continuous improvement, we empower our teams in Bradford and Glasgow to thrive in a supportive environment. Join us to be part of a leading FMCG manufacturer that values innovation and collaboration, ensuring every employee feels proud to contribute to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Bradford & Glasgow)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG sector, especially those who know Princes or have experience in drinks manufacturing. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Princes' operations. Understand their products, values, and recent news. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through change and complexity. Use real examples that highlight your ability to inspire trust and drive performance on the shop floor.
✨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 keen on joining the Princes family right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Bradford & Glasgow)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in FMCG manufacturing, especially in beverages or similar sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved OEE or reduced costs in previous roles. We love numbers and results that speak for themselves.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your leadership style can inspire teams at Princes. We’re looking for authenticity and a personal touch.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Princes Group
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of FMCG manufacturing, especially in beverages. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved OEE or reduced costs in previous roles. This will show that you understand the intricacies of the industry and can bring valuable insights to the table.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Operations, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity. Think about times when you inspired trust among your team or successfully managed unionised labour environments. Authenticity is key, so be yourself!
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role requires strong financial skills, come prepared with examples of how you've handled budgeting, cost control, and investment planning. Discuss any successful capex programmes you've led and how they impacted the bottom line. This will show that you're not just operationally savvy but also financially astute.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Princes values continuous improvement, so be ready to talk about your experience with Lean/CI methodologies. Share specific instances where you've implemented these strategies and the results achieved. Highlight your passion for people development and building high-performing teams, as this aligns perfectly with their culture.
