Head of Operations

The People Co. / Make Jobs; Essex; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing manufacturing SME in Essex is seeking a Head of Operations to lead and scale their operations. This role involves managing procurement, production, and supply chain, while ensuring efficiency and motivating teams. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and the ability to drive improvement. With a competitive salary around £60,000, this position offers the chance to influence significant growth for the company.

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG, food manufacturing, or complex supply chains is beneficial.
• Comfortable being both strategic and hands-on when needed.
• Excited by building structure, not just maintaining it.

Responsibilities

• Own and shape the entire manufacturing operation.
• Ensure efficient day-to-day operations and procurement.
• Lead and motivate production and operations teams.
• Drive efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Make sure customers receive orders on time.

Skills

Proven operations leadership

Strategic thinking

Cost management

People management

Continuous improvement

Job description

An ambitious, fast-growing SME manufacturing business based in Kent is looking for a hands-on Head of Operations to help take the business through its next phase of growth.

Supplying high-quality products to major customers across the UK, the business has big plans for 2026 and beyond. This role is central to making that growth happen — building strong operational foundations while keeping pace with increasing demand.

The Opportunity

This is not a “keep-the-lights-on” operations role. It’s a chance to own, shape and scale the entire manufacturing operation. You’ll take full responsibility for day-to-day operations, procurement, production, supply chain, inventory and cost control — ensuring the site is efficient, well-controlled and ready to grow. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you’ll be a key voice in how the business evolves.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Owning the end-to-end manufacturing operation and operational performance
• Procuring raw materials, packaging, logistics and services at the right cost and quality
• Negotiating with suppliers and building strong, scalable partnerships
• Putting the right processes, controls and disciplines in place — without killing agility
• Leading and motivating production and operations teams on the ground
• Driving efficiency, accountability and continuous improvement
• Making sure customers receive orders on time, every time

About You

• A proven operations leader who thrives in entrepreneurial, growing businesses
• Commercially sharp with a strong grip on costs and margins
• Comfortable being both strategic and hands-on when needed
• Confident managing people, suppliers and operational complexity
• Excited by building structure, not just maintaining it

Experience in FMCG, food manufacturing or complex supply chains is beneficial, but mindset matters more than sector background.

Why Join?

• A genuine leadership role in a scaling SME
• The chance to build an operation fit for the next stage of growth
• Direct influence on how the business performs and grows
• Competitive salary around £60,000

If you enjoy building, improving and taking ownership — this role will suit you.