At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence in a growing food manufacturing business and drive strategic initiatives.
- Company: Established food manufacturing company with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and opportunity to shape the company's future.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a key leadership position and make a real impact on operational performance.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in food manufacturing and strong team development skills.
Do you have senior-level operational leadership experience within the food manufacturing industry? Are you commercially driven with a strong track record of improving operational performance, developing teams and delivering sustainable business growth?
Our client is a well-established and growing food manufacturing business seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to join their senior leadership team and take overall responsibility for the operational performance of the business. This is a key leadership position with responsibility for driving operational excellence across production, supply chain, procurement, quality, engineering and health & safety, whilst ensuring the business continues to deliver against its commercial and strategic objectives.
As Chief Operating Officer you will be responsible for:
- Providing strategic and operational leadership across the business
- Developing and implementing the operational strategy in line with overall company objectives
- Taking overall responsibility for manufacturing, production, supply chain, procurement, engineering and operational performance
- Driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency and cost reduction initiatives
- Ensuring production targets, customer requirements, quality standards and commercial objectives are consistently achieved
- Developing and maintaining robust production planning, capacity planning and supply chain processes
- Ensuring high standards of food safety, quality, health & safety and regulatory compliance
- Working closely with the Technical and Quality teams to maintain and continuously improve food safety and quality standards
- Leading, developing and motivating senior management and operational teams
- Monitoring operational KPIs and providing regular performance reporting to the Board
- Identifying operational risks and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies
- Working closely with Finance to manage budgets, costs, margins and financial performance
- Managing relationships with key suppliers, customers and external stakeholders where required
- Leading capital investment, automation, process improvement and site development projects
- Ensuring operational processes remain compliant with relevant legislation, customer requirements and industry standards.
An ideal Chief Operating Officer will have:
- Proven senior operational leadership experience within the food manufacturing industry
- Previous experience operating at COO, Operations Director, Manufacturing Director or equivalent level
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing, production and supply chain operations
- Demonstrable experience of leading and developing multi-functional teams
- A strong commercial understanding with experience managing budgets, costs and operational KPIs
- Proven experience delivering continuous improvement and operational efficiencies
- Strong knowledge of food safety, quality, health & safety and regulatory requirements
- Experience working within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong strategic thinking combined with a hands-on and commercially focused approach
- Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills
- The ability to build strong relationships at all levels of an organisation
- A proven track record of delivering change, improving performance and supporting business growth
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operational leader to join a successful and ambitious food business and play a key role in shaping its future growth and operational strategy.
Interviews will take place in Haverhill, following a registration process by PureKat Consultancy Ltd. If we have not responded to your application within 3-5 days, unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion, but please feel free to contact us for other opportunities.
Chief Operating Officer in Haverhill employer: PureKat Consultancy
At PureKat Consultancy Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and dynamic work culture in Haverhill, Suffolk. As a Trainee Recruitment Consultant Apprentice, you'll benefit from comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and the chance to grow within a thriving team, all while earning as you learn. Join us to kick-start your career in recruitment and build meaningful relationships with candidates and clients alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Haverhill
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like PureKat Consultancy.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from PureKat Consultancy!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like PureKat Consultancy, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at PureKat Consultancy, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Haverhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at PureKat Consultancy, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at PureKat Consultancy.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to PureKat Consultancy. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at PureKat Consultancy. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at PureKat Consultancy
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to PureKat Consultancy’s mission.
