Head of Operations in Guildford

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.