Head of Operations

Morepeople 01780; Hereford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing fresh produce company in Hereford seeks a Head of Packing to lead multi-site operations and drive growth. This new role combines strategic influence and hands-on leadership in high-volume packing environments. Responsibilities include ensuring product quality, compliance with food safety standards, and fostering a strong performance culture. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing fresh produce operations and a strong commitment to team development. Competitive remuneration and visibility in a dynamic environment await the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading fresh produce packing operations.
• Experience with BRC standards and audits.
• Ability to lead through growth and change.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage packing operations across multiple sites.
• Ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operations.

Skills

Leadership in high-volume operations

BRC food safety knowledge

Strategic thinking

Data-driven mindset

Strong communication

Job description

Head of Packing | Fresh Produce | Multi-Site Packhouse Operation

An exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced Head of Packing to join a growing fresh produce business at a pivotal point in its development. This is a newly established role, designed to strengthen operational leadership while supporting planned expansion and increased volume in the year ahead.

This position offers a rare blend of strategic influence and hands‑on leadership, with responsibility for shaping the future of the packing function while remaining closely involved in day‑to‑day operations.

The Role

The Head of Packing will lead multi‑site, BRC‑accredited soft fruit packhouse operations with a combined annual output of approximately 70 million units, with further growth planned.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for setting the long‑term direction of the packing operation while ensuring high standards of quality, efficiency, food safety, and people management are delivered every day.

This role has been created to help the business scale effectively, improve consistency, and embed strong operational foundations ahead of the new season and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all packing operations across multiple sites, ensuring products are packed and despatched on time, in full, and to specification
• Balance strategic planning with a visible, hands‑on leadership presence within the packhouses
• Develop and embed a strong performance culture focused on quality, safety, efficiency, and accountability
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to support future growth, cost control, and waste reduction
• Ensure full compliance with BRC, food safety, hygiene, and health & safety standards
• Use data and KPIs to measure performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support decision‑making
• Develop management capability, training structures, and succession planning within the packing teams
• Oversee resource planning, labour utilisation, and stock optimisation to support both current demand and future expansion

About You

This role will suit a senior packhouse or head of operations leader who enjoys building structure, developing teams, and leading change in a fast‑paced environment.

You are likely to bring:

• Proven experience leading high‑volume fresh produce packing operations (multi‑site experience advantageous)
• Strong knowledge of BRC standards, food safety, and audit environments
• A leadership style that combines strategic thinking with practical, hands‑on involvement
• The ability to lead through growth, change, and increasing complexity
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to challenge, influence, and improve systems
• A data‑driven mindset with experience using KPIs to drive operational performance
• A genuine commitment to people development, engagement, and safety

The Opportunity

This is a new role with real scope, offering the chance to shape how the packing function operates today while building capability for the future.

For the right individual, this role offers high visibility, influence, and the opportunity to play a key part in supporting the business's growth plans for the coming year and beyond.

Next Steps

If this sounds like it could be the right opportunity for you then click below to apply or reach out to me directly at [e-mail]