At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop operational activities across two manufacturing sites in Scotland.
- Company: Join a leading pet food manufacturer focused on quality and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to continuous improvement and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pet food industry while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in food or FMCG manufacturing and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
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 Responsibilities
- Strategic 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)
- 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 Profile
- Essential 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.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strong project and change management capability.
- 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
Operations Director in Drongan employer: Wilsons Pet Food Ltd
As an Operations Director at our dual-site manufacturing facilities in Scotland, you will join a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises safety, quality, and continuous improvement. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to operational excellence, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the pet food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Drongan
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With Wilsons Pet Food Ltd looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Drongan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilsons Pet Food Ltd
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at Wilsons Pet Food Ltd.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into Wilsons Pet Food Ltd’s culture, making you a valuable asset.
