Head of Operations

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Ebbw Vale; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing firm in Ebbw Vale is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to oversee the manufacturing operation. This key role focuses on ensuring production quality, service, and cost performance. The successful candidate will lead Factory Managers, drive operational delivery and cultural development, and implement strategic improvements. Candidates should have over 10 years of FMCG manufacturing experience and a degree in a food-related discipline. This role offers a competitive salary and various benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual turnover of £1.3bn

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• At least 10 years' experience in FMCG manufacturing.
• Strong exposure to chilled, high-care, short-life production.
• Demonstrable background in change management and coaching.

Responsibilities

• Oversee entire manufacturing operation at the Ebbw Vale site.
• Lead Factory Managers to deliver budgeted financial performance.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across production areas.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Project management

Financial awareness

Education

Degree in a food-related discipline

Management qualification

Job description

Salary & Contract

Ebbw Vale Salary: £70,000–£75,000 benefits Contract: Permanent Location: Ebbw Vale Company: The Compleat Food Group

Shape the future of a major chilled food manufacturing site and lead teams to deliver excellence.

About the Company

The Compleat Food Group is a leading name in fresh food manufacturing, supplying some of the UK’s most recognisable retailers with high-quality chilled products.

Position Overview

We are now seeking an experienced, people-focused Head of Operations to oversee the entire manufacturing operation at our Ebbw Vale site.

This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring that production, quality, service and cost performance consistently meet and exceed business expectations.

Leading multiple Factory Managers across several chilled product lines, you will drive operational delivery, cultural development and strategic improvement across the site.

Key Responsibilities

As Head of Operations, you will be accountable for end‑to‑end manufacturing operations
from order receipt through production to final despatch
including full inbound and outbound supply chain activity.

You will:

• Lead and guide Factory Managers to deliver budgeted financial and service performance
• Review daily KPIs, allocate clear accountabilities and ensure effective operational control
• Manage overhead budgets, forecasts and P&L responsibilities
• Champion product quality through strong collaboration with Technical, Hygiene, Development and Production teams
• Partner with NPD to ensure smooth, well‑embedded product introductions
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across all production areas
• Maintain regular contact with customers to build confidence and strong working relationships
• Lead capital planning: identifying requirements, sourcing equipment and delivering agreed financial benefits
• Coach, mentor and develop direct managers to build a strong succession pipeline
• Lead succession planning and support recruitment of future operational leaders

About You

We are looking for a proven operations leader who brings both strategic capability and a hands‑on leadership style.

Experience Required

• At least 10 years’ experience in FMCG manufacturing
• Strong exposure to chilled, high‑care, short‑life retailer‑brand production
• Demonstrable background in change management, culture shift and coaching
• Full financial awareness: P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting
• Knowledge of HR practice, including ER/TU exposure
• Experience in supply chain operations within a fast‑moving environment
• Understanding of technical/food safety standards
• Strong project management capability

Desirable:

• Customer/commercial relationship experience
• Qualifications: Degree qualified (ideally in a food‑related discipline)
• Desirable: Management qualification

What You’ll Bring

• A collaborative, engaging leadership style
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels
• A results‑driven and continuous improvement mindset
• Passion for developing people, teams and future leaders
• The ability to build trust with customers, colleagues and stakeholders

About The Compleat Food Group

We’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion.

Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to create Food to Feel Good: great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.

We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless.

Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own‑label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added‑value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant‑based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.

With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.

Apply Today

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