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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and drive strategic growth in a top UK food business.
- Company: Respected market leader in the UK food industry.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Join the executive team and make a significant impact on operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as an Operations Director with board-level presence.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a dynamic and innovative environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join the Executive Team and Board of Directors of a highly respected, market‑leading UK food business. We are seeking a visionary and results‑oriented Operations Director to lead the entire operational portfolio and drive strategic long‑term growth. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Operations Director will represent Operations on the Board and be accountable for the safety, performance, and strategic direction of all operational aspects of the business.
The core mandate includes:
- Organising and overseeing the Safety & Performance of Operations.
- Creating and delivering the Operations Long Term Growth plan.
- Ensuring the business meets current and future Commercial ambitions.
- Serving as the Ambassador for Best Available Technology, ensuring both business and people capabilities are future‑proofed.
Scope of Accountability
The successful candidate will be accountable for all Operational aspects of the business, including but not limited to:
- Three manufacturing and factory operational sites.
- Health, Safety, Environment (HSE), and Transport.
- Engineering, Maintenance, Capital Projects, Site Facilities, and Utilities, and Security.
Core Strategic Focus Areas
Strategic Leadership & People DevelopmentBe an ambassador for Company Values, ensuring they are lived daily and embedded throughout Operations. Align and lead the Operational team to be engaged and high performing, delivering key KPIs that flow through to bottom line results. Ensure operational activities are suitably resourced, and that staff have the required competencies and are coached, mentored, and developed. Develop, review, and deliver positive KPI results across Productivity, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety, and People development.
Manufacturing Excellence & Continuous ImprovementPromote manufacturing best practice and performance standards, staying updated with industry trends. Define site capabilities using a live capacity model based on OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and TEEP (Total Effective Equipment Performance). Identify improvement areas, research new technology, and maintain a necessary Capex and Opex pipeline of improvements. Drive continuous improvement through expertise in methodologies including: OEE, TEEP, Root Cause Analysis, Process Mapping, De‑Bottlenecking, SPC, 5S, Kaizen, and Hoshin Kanri.
Financial & Capital OversightIdentify and implement cost efficiencies in conjunction with the Finance Director. Set and deliver the Business Unit budget in accordance with the business strategy. Develop requirements for Capital funding for asset replacement, production efficiency improvement, new product development, and safety/environmental compliance.
The Ideal Candidate
You are a highly experienced Operations Director (or equivalent) with proven board‑level presence, ideally gained within the food manufacturing, high‑care, or complex processing industries. You must have a demonstrable passion for operational excellence and a working knowledge of appropriate ISO standards (9001/14001/45001). You thrive on leading change and fostering positive engagement across all functions and stakeholders.
Apply Today For a confidential discussion about this critical Board position and to receive the full candidate pack, please submit your CV and covering letter, detailing your experience in relation to the key accountabilities, to Scott Woodrow @ Pure Executive.
Operations Director employer: Pure Executive
Contact Detail:
Pure Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant 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 interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent news, and challenges they face in the food industry. This will help us tailor your responses and show them you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve driven operational excellence and led teams to success. We want to highlight your board-level presence and strategic mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for visionary leaders like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in operational excellence and board-level presence, especially in the food manufacturing sector. We want to see how your skills align with the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about operational leadership and how you can drive strategic growth. Be sure to mention specific examples of your achievements that relate to the role's requirements.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As an Operations Director, your leadership style is crucial. In your application, share how you've developed teams and fostered engagement in previous roles. We want to know how you embody company values and promote a high-performing culture.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pure Executive
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operational structure and recent performance metrics. Familiarise yourself with their manufacturing processes, safety standards, and any recent news or changes in the industry. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams, driving engagement, and achieving KPIs. Think about specific situations where you've successfully implemented change or improved performance, and be ready to discuss these in detail during the interview.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to discuss methodologies like OEE, TEEP, and Kaizen. Share your experiences with continuous improvement initiatives and how they have positively impacted previous organisations. This demonstrates your commitment to operational excellence and aligns with the company's focus on best practices.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company’s strategic goals. Ask about their current challenges in operations or how they envision the future of their manufacturing processes. This shows that you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to their long-term success.
