Head of Operations - Group Commissary

Wonderfield Group; London; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wonderfield Group, recently acquired by Zensho Holdings, seeks a Head of Operations for its Group Commissary. This pivotal role will lead production efforts across global operations, requiring expertise in food manufacturing and a strong ability to foster collaboration. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, working strategically across regions in a fast-paced environment, with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in food manufacturing or production operations.
• Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain dynamics.
• CI qualifications like Six Sigma preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver scalable, high-quality production across global commissary network.
• Support the Group Chief Commissaries Operating Officer.
• Drive improvement projects and oversee new facility setups.

Skills

Proactive

Attention to detail

Influencing skills

Curiosity

Education

Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management or related field

Job description

Job Description

Head of Operations - Group Commissary Head Office - Wonderfield Group

Contract: Full Time
Salary: 72,000-80,000
Contracted Hours: 40

The Wonderfield Group has recently been purchased by Zensho Holdings, the leading food service company in Japan with a market cap of $5.5b. Zensho aims to become the world's largest food company to eradicate hunger and poverty globally. The company operates restaurants, factories, thousands of sushi kiosks, and has recently launched Snowfruit, a cut fruit business. With other brands like AFC, Sushi Circle, and Sushi Take, Zensho's annual sales reach $2.5b with an EBITDA over $140m, demonstrating a strong growth trajectory.

What you’ll need

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• CI qualifications (e.g., Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) are highly desirable.

Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in food manufacturing or production operations, preferably with commissary or central kitchen exposure.
• Strong understanding of floor operations, QA, and food safety systems.
• Experience collaborating across technical, procurement, and commercial teams.
• Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain dynamics.
• International experience or flexibility to work across regions.

Behavioral Attributes

• Proactive, solutions-focused attitude.
• Ability to influence peers and leaders without authority.
• Attention to detail and disciplined execution.
• Resilience in fast-paced, changing environments.
• Curiosity and growth mindset, eager to learn and lead.

Role Overview

The Head of Operations – Group Commissary is a vital role supporting the Group Chief Commissaries Operating Officer. It involves delivering scalable, high-quality production across Wonderfield’s global commissary network, with operational leadership in North America, Europe, and the UK. The role includes international travel and aims to futureproof the function by developing potential successors. It focuses on execution, quality, collaboration, and driving improvement projects, supporting new facility setups, and enhancing operational performance across central kitchens.

The 5 best things about the role

1. Work at the core of a global food business, driving operational excellence across regions.
2. Partner with a seasoned global leader, offering learning and growth opportunities.
3. Shape and implement the next generation of commissary operations in the US, UK, and Europe.
4. Combine strategic oversight with hands-on engagement, requiring initiative and drive.
5. Influence key performance metrics, costs, quality, and team capabilities across complex assets.

Key Accountabilities

1. Operational Support & Uplift: Provide direct support to the Group Chief Commissaries Operating Officer across...