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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver operational strategy in a dynamic, multi-functional environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on operational excellence and sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape business performance.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative Senior Leadership Team and contribute to strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving efficiency and fostering a high-performance culture.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations leadership experience and strong commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ per year.
Location: Cumbria
Salary: Circa £85,000
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Operations Director to lead and deliver the company’s operational strategy across a complex, multi-functional environment. This is a critical senior leadership role, responsible for ensuring safe, efficient and fully compliant end-to-end operations. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will play a central role in shaping business performance, driving operational excellence and supporting sustainable growth. This role will suit a commercially astute and hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and can balance strategic direction with operational execution. You will be responsible for creating and embedding a clear operational vision, leading high-performing teams, and ensuring compliance with all relevant UK legislation, including Health & Safety and food safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement and deliver the company’s operational strategy to drive efficiency, scalability and excellent customer service
- Take full accountability for operational performance across the site, from goods in through to dispatch and logistics
- Own and manage the operational budget, ensuring strong cost control, productivity and alignment with wider business objectives
- Lead, coach and develop operational leadership teams, building capability and driving performance
- Embed a high-performance culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Establish and maintain robust operational processes, standards and KPIs across all functions
- Ensure full compliance with UK legislation, including Health & Safety, food safety, employment law and transport regulations
- Act as the senior lead for Health & Safety, Quality Assurance and compliance, promoting a proactive safety-first culture
- Monitor and improve operational performance through data analysis, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives
- Work collaboratively with SLT colleagues to align operational delivery with overall business strategy
- Manage operational risk, including contingency planning and incident response
- Drive engagement and communication across teams, ensuring alignment with business goals
- Contribute actively at SLT level to strategic decision-making and overall business direction
About You
- Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role within a complex, multi-functional environment
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, driving efficiencies and improving performance
- In-depth understanding of supply chain, logistics and distribution operations
- Strong knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks, including Health & Safety and food safety standards (e.g. HACCP)
- Data-driven mindset with the ability to interpret KPIs and translate insights into action
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
- A visible and credible leader who leads by example and builds trust across teams
- Strong coaching mindset with a passion for developing people and building capability
- Resilient, decisive and able to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Pragmatic, solutions-focused and committed to continuous improvement
- Passionate about fostering an inclusive, respectful and high-performing workplace culture
- Customer-focused with a strong service mindset
Experience
- Demonstrable experience in a senior operations leadership role (e.g. Operations Director or Head of Operations)
- Experience within FMCG, logistics or a closely related sector is highly desirable
- Proven track record of delivering operational strategy and driving performance improvement
- Experience leading large, multi-functional teams across complex operations
- Strong experience in compliance, Health & Safety and quality standards
- Previous experience operating at Senior Leadership Team level and contributing to business-wide strategy
Operations Director in Cockermouth employer: Realise HR
Contact Detail:
Realise HR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Cockermouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operational strategies, recent news, and challenges they face. We want you to walk in confidently, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can drive operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, improved performance, and ensured compliance in previous roles. We believe that demonstrating your hands-on approach will resonate well with hiring managers looking for a strong Operations Director.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can contribute to our mission of operational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Cockermouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership experience, budget management, and any relevant compliance knowledge to show us you're the right fit.
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 your background makes you the perfect candidate. Be specific about your achievements in operational strategy and team leadership.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since we value a data-driven mindset, include examples of how you've used data analysis to improve operational performance. This will demonstrate your ability to interpret KPIs and make informed decisions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 proactive!
How to prepare for a job interview at Realise HR
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operational strategy and recent performance. Familiarise yourself with their supply chain, logistics, and compliance standards. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully led teams through challenges or improved operational efficiency. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Operations Director, your leadership style is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you develop high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Share specific instances where your coaching has led to team success.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety Standards
Given the importance of Health & Safety and food safety in this role, brush up on relevant UK legislation and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would promote a safety-first culture within the company.