Director of Operations

Elevation Recruitment Group; Hull and East Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Operations Director for a food manufacturing business in Hull. This role requires a strong background in supply chain management, leadership, and operational efficiency to ensure high standards of food safety and product delivery. The successful candidate will oversee multiple sites and be responsible for driving growth and innovation within the organization.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Experience as an Operations Director or senior operational leader.
• Strong procurement and purchasing expertise.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the operations strategy for efficiency.
• Support purchasing team in sourcing and managing suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement and sustainability objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Purchasing expertise

Supply chain management

Cost control

Lean manufacturing

Food safety knowledge

Job description

Elevation Recruitment Group are working exclusively on the appointment of an Operations Director for a well-established food manufacturing business in Hull.

Reporting to the Managing Director, this role will take full responsibility for manufacturing and supply chain operations across the UK, ensuring products are produced and delivered in full, on time, and to the highest food safety and quality standards.

With a strong emphasis on purchasing and supply chain leadership, you will lead the strategic direction and execution of operations across a complex, seasonal FMCG portfolio. You will be accountable for operational efficiency, cost control, customer satisfaction, and compliance, while also playing a key role in driving growth, innovation, and future investment in partnership with the board.

Duties of the Operations Director will include:

• Define and deliver the operations strategy, driving efficiency, customer service, and food quality standards
• Support purchasing team, sourcing and managing suppliers effectively
• Develop robust forecasting and stockholding policies to meet demand and manage seasonality
• Own the operations budget, including forecasting and cost reduction initiatives
• Oversee manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, and production planning across multiple sites
• Drive continuous improvement, Lean initiatives, and sustainability objectives
• Develop and maintain business continuity and risk management plans to ensure resilience
• Provide clear and accurate performance reporting to the board and investors
• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing operations leadership team

We are looking for a leader with significant experience in food manufacturing or FMCG, bringing a strong background in purchasing and supply chain as well as wider operational leadership.

• Previous experience as an Operations Director or senior operational leader within food or FMCG
• Strong procurement and purchasing expertise
• Full accountability for budgets, forecasting, and cost control in a multi-site or high-volume food manufacturing environment
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain, manufacturing processes, and distribution networks
• Experience of delivering ERP and technology-led transformation projects
• A background in Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
• Outstanding leadership skills with the ability to engage, develop, and inspire teams at all levels
• A strong understanding of compliance, food safety, health & safety, and quality assurance in a regulated environment

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the operational future of a leading food manufacturing business and make a significant impact at board level.