Head of Operations

MKJ Ignite; Guildford; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing food & beverage brand based in Guildford is seeking a Head of Operations to drive operational excellence across global markets, focusing on the UK. This role involves leading a talented team, managing logistics and compliance, and improving processes as the company scales. The ideal candidate will possess strategic acumen and a solid background in food sector operations. Competitive salary of £65k plus a 10% bonus is offered along with additional perks.

Benefits

Competitive salary (£65k + 10% bonus)

4 days a week in the vibrant Guildford office

Supportive team culture

Two company events per year

Unlimited free smoothies and soups

Qualifications

• Experience in operations, with a potential for growth into an Operations Director.
• Strong communication skills are essential for team and client interactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK operations and oversee international markets.
• Manage a team and own logistics and compliance.
• Drive process improvement and support special projects.

Skills

Strategic and commercial acumen

Attention to detail

Problem-solving mindset

Communication skills

Experience in international logistics

Food sector operations knowledge

Knowledge of food safety

Proficiency in Excel

Job description

Overview

🚀 Head of Operations
🍌Food & Beverage
💼 Location: Guildford (4 days a week in the office)

MKJ Ignite are thrilled to be partnering with a fast-growing international food & beverage brand to hire a newly created Head of Operations to lead its operational strategy across multiple global markets, with a strong focus on the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior operations professional ready to take the next step in their career and help scale a high-performing, ambitious business.

As Head of Operations, you’ll be the driving force behind operational excellence across all markets, with a strong focus on the UK. Reporting to the Operations Director, you’ll lead a talented team and help shape the future of the business as it scales globally.

Responsibilities

• Leading the UK operations and overseeing international markets
• Managing a team including a Senior Ops Manager and Ops Executives
• Owning logistics, compliance, and client onboarding
• Liaising with manufacturers and maintaining product accreditations (BCorp, Vegan, etc.)
• Creating costing models and value chains for commercial analysis
• Driving process improvement and documentation for scale
• Supporting packaging development and product setup
• Handling food technical queries and supporting special projects

Qualifications

• Strategic and commercial acumen – with potential to grow into an Operations Director
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving mindset, and polished communication skills
• Experience in international logistics and food sector operations (preferred)
• Knowledge of food safety, compliance, and inventory systems (preferred)
• Proficiency in Excel and technical platforms (preferred)

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary (£65k + 10% bonus)
• 4 days a week in a vibrant Guildford office
• A supportive, ambitious team with a great culture
• Two fabulous company events per year
• Unlimited free smoothies and soups
• A chance to shape the future of a fast-scaling international brand

People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that means people can be their best authentic self.

We would love to reply to all applications, regrettably we are unable to do so due to the high volumes we receive, so if you do not hear back within 14 days unfortunately on this role it won’t be progressing. It is possible that the position could be in the process of closing, so chalk it up to bad timing. But, have no fear! There will be more opportunities. Follow us so you don’t miss them.