Head of Operations

Young's Seafood; Fraserburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading seafood company in Fraserburgh is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee site activities. The successful candidate will lead teams, ensure safety and quality, and foster an environment of continuous improvement. Ideal applicants will have experience in food production and a commitment to people development. Join us to make a positive impact and support our dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading operations in a manufacturing or food production environment.
• A people-first mindset for developing teams.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and health & safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead site operations to ensure safety and quality.
• Develop leadership team and enhance culture.
• Drive continuous improvement in operations.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing

People development

Health & safety knowledge

Continuous improvement

Job description

The Role

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Are you passionate about developing people, driving quality, and making things better every day? We're looking for a hands-on, people-focused leader to head up our Fraserburgh site - home to around 250 dedicated Sofina Builders producing premium seafood for top UK retailers.

As Head of Operations, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the site, covering production, engineering, and health & safety, while working closely with HR, technical, and supply chain teams to support our people and maintain high standards.

You'll be a visible, approachable leader who builds trust, inspires teams, and brings clarity and energy to the shop floor. We're looking for someone who genuinely cares about developing others, takes pride in delivering great products, and is always looking for smarter, safer, and better ways of working.

The Ideal Candidate

Must-haves:

• Proven experience leading operations in a manufacturing or food production environment.
• A people-first mindset, you care about developing teams and building a positive culture.
• Strong understanding of health & safety, engineering, and quality systems.
• A track record of delivering results through continuous improvement.

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in seafood or chilled food manufacturing.
• Exposure to retailer standards and audits.
• Experience in Continuous Improvement methodology

Why Sofina Foods?

At Sofina Foods, we're proud of what we do, and even prouder of how we do it. Our Fraserburgh site is powered by a passionate team of Sofina Builders who care deeply about quality, safety, and each other. You'll be joining a business that values people, encourages fresh thinking, and gives you the space to make a real impact. If you're ready to lead with purpose and help shape the future of our site, we'd love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Leading site operations to deliver safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality.
• Supporting and developing your leadership team and Sofina Builders.
• Driving a culture of continuous improvement, from process to people.
• Overseeing engineering and maintenance through your team, ensuring reliability and responsiveness.
• Championing health & safety and embedding a proactive safety culture across the site.
• Working closely with HR and technical to support training, development, and compliance.
• Managing yield, labour, and overhead costs to support financial performance.
• Collaborating with supply chain to ensure smooth planning, flow, and delivery.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Playing a key role in shaping the future of the site and its people.