At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food operations and drive excellence in supply chain and logistics.
- Company: SOFEA, a charity transforming lives through community support and food distribution.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while working with a passionate team dedicated to social value.
- Other info: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join us to empower young people and reduce food waste in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in food supply chain, leadership, and partnership management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lead food operations. Strengthen communities. Create lasting impact. At SOFEA, we are a charity that supports disempowered young people in transforming their lives. We run social value programmes, one of which is distributing thousands of tonnes of surplus food through our network, helping communities access food while reducing food surplus.
We're looking for an experienced Head of Food Operations to lead across both our sites in Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire to drive excellence across our supply chain, warehousing, logistics, and distribution activities. This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong food supply chain expertise with a passion for purpose-driven work.
What you’ll do:
- Lead end-to-end food operations across multiple sites
- Ensure safe, efficient, and high-performing warehouse operations
- Drive stock control, forecasting, and inventory management
- Maximise food availability and minimise waste
- Lead food safety, compliance, and operational assurance
- Support delivery of strategic and annual objectives
- Lead and develop warehouse and food sourcing teams
- Build strong partnerships with food suppliers and community organisations
- Work closely with pathway teams to support young people in meaningful warehouse opportunities
- Support employability trainees and corporate volunteers
Experience required:
- Significant end-to-end food supply chain experience
- Procurement, forecasting, inventory management, and demand planning expertise
- Experience managing short shelf-life food products
- Logistics and distribution management experience
- Warehouse management experience
- Proven leadership and people management capability
- Budget setting and financial management experience
- Strong operational and decision-making skills
- Excellent stakeholder and partnership management skills
- Commitment to SOFEA's mission and values
- Experience working across multiple locations
- Charity sector experience
- Experience of/Willingness to learn NEBOSH qualification, HACCP qualification, Food Safety Level 5 qualification
Why SOFEA?
At SOFEA, we are committed to supporting people to make a deep connection with themselves and their community. We treat everyone with compassion and respect, accepting them as they are while refusing to accept any limitation on what they might achieve.
Opportunity to lead a significant food operation, be part of the Social Value Programmes leadership team, lead and influence strategic operational decisions, work with a wide network of partners and community organisations, support young people through meaningful work opportunities, help maximise the impact of thousands of tonnes of surplus food, and join an organisation driven by purpose, community, and social impact.
Head of Food Operations - Thames Valley/South Midlands employer: SOFEA
At SOFEA, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-driven charity that not only transforms the lives of disempowered young people but also fosters a supportive and compassionate work environment. As the Head of Food Operations, you will have the unique opportunity to lead impactful food operations across Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire, driving excellence while working closely with community organisations and partners. We offer a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through our social value programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food Operations - Thames Valley/South Midlands
✨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 SOFEA.
✨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 SOFEA!
✨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 SOFEA, 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 SOFEA, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food Operations - Thames Valley/South Midlands
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at SOFEA, 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 SOFEA.
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 SOFEA. 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 SOFEA. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at SOFEA
✨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 SOFEA’s mission.
