At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations in a dynamic food and drink manufacturing facility.
- Company: Join a growing company focused on quality and efficiency in Farnham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a hands-on leadership role.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of a thriving manufacturing operation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving improvements and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations leadership and knowledge of food safety standards required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Monday to Friday 9am - 5:30pm Based in Farnham. We’re recruiting a commercially minded and hands-on Head of Operations to lead the day-to-day running of a growing food and drink manufacturing facility in Farnham. This is a senior leadership position covering the full production operation, from manufacturing and bottling through to warehousing. You’ll combine strategic planning with a visible presence on the factory floor, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily production operations across all shifts, ensuring labour, equipment and materials are used efficiently.
- Plan production alongside the supply chain team to meet customer demand and manage capacity.
- Lead and develop a large, multi-disciplinary production team.
- Troubleshoot operational issues and lead problem-solving directly on the factory floor.
- Maintain high standards across food safety, quality, HACCP, GMP and health and safety.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve efficiency and increase output.
- Manage labour efficiency, overtime, production costs and operational budgets.
- Develop and monitor KPIs covering output, waste, downtime and service levels.
- Support recruitment, onboarding and training across the production team.
- Work closely with Planning, Purchasing, Quality and Logistics.
- Support the continued growth and scaling of the manufacturing operation.
About You
- Significant experience in a senior production or operations leadership role within food or drink manufacturing.
- Proven experience managing end-to-end manufacturing operations across multiple departments.
- Strong track record of leading and developing large, shift-based teams.
- Experience driving continuous improvement and improving manufacturing efficiency.
- Confident managing production KPIs, labour costs and operational budgets.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP and food safety legislation.
- Experience supporting customer, regulatory or third-party audits.
- A visible, hands-on leader who is equally comfortable on the factory floor and working with senior leadership.
- Calm under pressure, commercially aware and solutions focused.
A degree in Business Management, Food Science, Engineering or a related subject is required, alongside a Level 3 or higher HACCP or food safety qualification. An IOSH Managing Safely qualification or equivalent would be advantageous. A full UK driving licence is also required. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a growing manufacturing operation and play a key role in developing its people, processes and future capabilities.
Head of Operations in Farnham employer: Talent Guardian Careers
Join a well-established food manufacturer located on the picturesque Wiltshire, Berkshire and Hampshire border, where your contributions as a Site Engineer will be truly valued. With a competitive salary package, including a generous night shift bonus, and a supportive work culture that fosters employee growth, you will have the opportunity to make a real impact within a close-knit engineering team. This role not only offers hands-on experience but also significant potential for career advancement in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Farnham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Talent Guardian Careers, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Talent Guardian Careers specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Guardian Careers
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Talent Guardian Careers, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Talent Guardian Careers value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
