At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a key production site, driving performance and excellence.
- Company: Join Sofina Foods, a leading food company focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive rewards package and strong development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a focus on people and purpose.
- Why this job: Shape operational strategy and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and experience in operations management.
- Lead all site operations, ensuring the efficient, safe and high-quality production of chilled and cooked (RTE) food products.
- Deliver key KPIs across yield, labour efficiency, waste reduction, and service performance.
- Build, coach and develop a high-performing leadership team, fostering a culture of accountability and empowerment.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, legal and retailer standards.
- Drive operational improvement through systems, process optimisation and people engagement.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Technical, HR, Commercial and Supply Chain to deliver business goals and customer satisfaction.
- Represent the site with customers and internal stakeholders, demonstrating confidence, credibility and operational excellence.
The Head of Operations will lead one of our largest and most complex UK manufacturing sites, producing a wide range of high-risk cooked and chilled products, including sliced meats, for key retail customers.
This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll be responsible for shaping the site’s operational strategy, embedding best practice, and building the culture, structure and capability needed to deliver against ambitious performance, safety, and quality standards.
As a key member of the site leadership team, you’ll play a critical role in stabilising and optimising day-to-day performance while leading the next phase of transformation, turning the site into Sofina’s flagship operation for excellence.
As expected with a hands-on operational role, this position will require 5 days a week onsite, with regular travel to Malton for SLT meetings.Sofina Foods isn't just a food company - It’s a place to build your future.
With a team of over 13,000 people across 40 sites in Canada and Europe, we're passionate about delivering quality meats and seafood products to consumers around the world.
Join a company where innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction drive everything we do. At Sofina, you’ll grow your skills, make a real impact, and work with responsibly sourced products from more than 50 protein sources across five continents.
Our vision is bold: to be the most successful food company in the world. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in the food industry, there’s a place for you at Sofina Foods.Join one of the UK’s most exciting food businesses at a time of investment and growth. We’re building something special at Sofina – a business that puts people first, operates with purpose, and delivers for customers.
- Work with major UK retailers
- Lead a flagship site in a high-profile role
- Be part of a business where your impact is seen and valued
- Enjoy strong development opportunities and a competitive rewards package
Head of Operations in Haverhill employer: Sofina Foods
Sofina Foods in Grimsby is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where hygiene operatives can thrive. With competitive rates, comprehensive benefits such as life insurance and a company pension, and a commitment to employee growth, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment here. Join a team that values high standards and prioritises your well-being while working in a vital role within the food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations 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 Sofina Foods.
✨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 Sofina Foods!
✨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 Sofina Foods, 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 Sofina Foods, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Haverhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Sofina Foods, 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 Sofina Foods.
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 Sofina Foods. 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 Sofina Foods. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods
✨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 Sofina Foods’s mission.
