At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a busy food manufacturing site, driving excellence and continuous improvement.
- Company: Respected food manufacturing business with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape operational strategy and influence senior leadership decisions.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a growing company committed to investment and development.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operations roles within food manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client is a long-established and highly respected food manufacturing business with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and customer service. Supplying a diverse customer base across retail and foodservice channels, the business continues to invest in its people, processes, and facilities as part of an ambitious growth strategy. Due to continued expansion, they are seeking an experienced Head of Operations to join their senior leadership team and take full responsibility for operational performance across a large-scale, 24/7 manufacturing site.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing Production, Dispatch, and Stores operations across a busy manufacturing facility. Leading a workforce of 150+ employees, you will drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, quality standards, and people development while ensuring the business remains customer-focused, efficient, and commercially competitive.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across Production, Dispatch, and Stores functions, ensuring the delivery of key performance metrics relating to quality, service, efficiency, cost control, and customer satisfaction.
- Drive a culture of operational excellence through continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing principles, robust performance management, and data-led decision making, identifying opportunities to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and maximise site capacity.
- Champion the highest standards of food safety, quality, health & safety, and regulatory compliance, ensuring the business remains audit-ready and aligned with customer, retailer, and statutory requirements.
- Lead, develop, and inspire a workforce of 150+ employees, fostering a high-performance culture built on accountability, engagement, communication, and continuous development.
- Collaborate closely with senior leadership and support functions to deliver business objectives, support strategic growth initiatives, capital investment projects, and long-term operational planning.
- Ensure operational resources, budgets, equipment, and processes are effectively managed to deliver sustainable performance improvements while maintaining exceptional service levels and operational reliability.
Candidate Profile
We are interested in speaking with experienced operations leaders who have a strong track record within food manufacturing, fresh food time-sensitive environments. You will have:
- Significant experience in a senior operations, production, manufacturing, or site leadership role.
- Proven success managing large teams within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Strong experience driving operational performance through Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent knowledge of health & safety, quality systems, and food manufacturing compliance standards.
- Demonstrated ability to lead change, influence stakeholders, and deliver measurable business improvements.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, operational costs, and performance metrics.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and people management skills.
- A hands-on, results-driven approach with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Why Apply?
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a successful and growing food manufacturing business with a proud heritage and ambitious plans for the future. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping operational strategy, leading a significant workforce, and driving performance across a critical area of the business. Offering genuine influence at senior leadership level, this role provides the opportunity to make a lasting impact within a well-established organisation committed to continuous improvement, investment, and long-term growth.
For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Vickerstock.
Head of Operations employer: Vickerstock
Join a well-respected food manufacturing business in Leinster that prioritises quality, innovation, and employee development. As the Head of Operations, you will lead a dedicated team in a dynamic environment, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement while enjoying a culture that values accountability and engagement. With a commitment to growth and investment in its people, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a thriving organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨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 Vickerstock.
✨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 Vickerstock!
✨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 Vickerstock, 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 Vickerstock, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Vickerstock, 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 Vickerstock.
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 Vickerstock. 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 Vickerstock. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨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 Vickerstock’s mission.
