Operations Director in Ayr

Operations Director

Location: Scotland (Dual Site Operations)

Reports To: Managing Director / CEO

Direct Reports: Head of Operations, Capital Project Manager

Duration: Fixed Term with potential for FTE

Job Purpose

The Operations Director is responsible for leading and developing all operational activities across the company's two manufacturing sites in Scotland. Working as a key member of the senior leadership team, the role will ensure safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective production of high-quality pet food products while delivering excellent customer service through effective management of third-party storage and distribution partners.

The Operations Director will drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, sustainable growth, and profitability, ensuring the business can scale effectively while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership

· Develop and implement the operational strategy aligned with the company's growth plans and commercial objectives.

· Contribute to overall business strategy as a member of the senior leadership team.

· Lead operational planning to support sales forecasts/customer orders, new product development, and market expansion.

· Oversee capital investment plans to improve capacity, efficiency, and operational resilience.

· Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Manufacturing Operations

· Provide leadership across both manufacturing sites, ensuring consistent standards, processes, and performance.

· Ensure production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

· Drive improvements in labour productivity, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.

· Oversee production scheduling and capacity planning to meet customer demand.

· Ensure adequate maintenance strategies are in place to maximise asset reliability and minimise downtime.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

· Ensure full compliance with all relevant food safety, animal feed, environmental, and health and safety regulations.

· Maintain and develop robust Quality Management Systems.

· Support and lead external audits, customer audits, retailer audits, and regulatory inspections.

· Champion a culture of food safety and quality throughout the organisation.

· Ensure compliance with industry standards as required.

Supply Chain & Logistics

· Lead end-to-end supply chain operations, including purchasing, inventory management, production planning, warehousing, and logistics.

· Manage relationships with third-party storage and distribution providers to ensure agreed service levels, cost control, and operational performance.

· Develop KPIs and service level agreements with logistics partners.

· Optimise stock levels and inventory accuracy whilst maintaining service levels.

· Identify opportunities to improve supply chain resilience and reduce costs.

Financial Management

· Take ownership of operational budgets and cost performance.

· Deliver agreed operational KPIs relating to productivity, efficiency, quality, and profitability.

· Identify and implement cost-saving and value-engineering initiatives.

· Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes.

· Ensure effective management of labour, energy, materials, and logistics costs.

People Leadership

· Lead, coach, and develop operational management teams across both sites.

· Build organisational capability through succession planning, training, and talent development.

· Promote a positive safety culture and employee engagement environment.

· Drive performance management processes and accountability throughout the operations function.

· Support recruitment and retention strategies to ensure operational stability.

Continuous Improvement

· Develop a culture of data-driven decision making using operational KPIs and reporting.

· Implement best practices and standardised operating procedures across both locations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The role will typically be measured against:

· Site safety performance (LTIFR, accidents, near misses)

· Product quality and customer complaints

· Audit and compliance performance

· Production efficiency and OEE

· Service level achievement (OTIF)

· Manufacturing and logistics costs

· Waste reduction

· Inventory accuracy and stock management

· Employee engagement and retention

· Delivery of strategic projects and capital investments

Candidate ProfileEssential Experience

· Proven senior operational leadership experience within food, pet food, FMCG, feed, or related manufacturing environments.

· Strong knowledge of food safety and quality standards.

· Experience managing third-party logistics, warehousing, and distribution relationships.

· Demonstrable success in driving operational performance improvements.

· Strong commercial awareness and budget management experience.

Essential Skills

· Proven leadership and people management skills.

· Strategic thinking combined with hands-on operational capability. This is a relatively small operations team so a `roll up your sleeves and get on with it` approach will be necessary at times.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

· Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

· Strong project and change management capability. (Ditto ref Neil)

Desirable Qualifications

· Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Food Science, Supply Chain, or related discipline.

· Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement qualification.

· NEBOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.

Leadership Competencies

· Strategic Leadership

· Operational Excellence

· Commercial Acumen

· Customer Focus

· Accountability

· Change Leadership

· Continuous Improvement

· Team Development

· Collaboration & Communication