Head of Operations — Growth, Lean & Automation

Pod Talent; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Pod Talent in London is seeking a Head of Operations to own end-to-end operations and build the infrastructure for the next growth phase. The role requires a hands-on, detail-focused leader who can also think strategically and drive AI and automation initiatives.

You will oversee production operations, capacity planning, procurement, inventory, fulfilment, and data-driven decision making, while managing budgets and leading change in a fast-moving food and beverage environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading manufacturing/operations teams in an SME
• Hands-on approach to operations leadership
• Proven track record delivering measurable operational improvements
• Strong understanding of procurement, inventory and production planning
• Excellent commercial and budget management skills
• Experience leading teams through change
• Data-driven decision making

Responsibilities

• Owns production operations, ensuring on-time production, quality and customer delivery
• Leads production and capacity planning, procurement, S&OP and demand planning
• Manages inventory, stock and logistics, ensuring SLAs and service levels
• Drives lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and automation projects
• Builds relationships with third-party production and logistics partners
• Leads safety, compliance, and risk management; manages budgets

Skills

Operations leadership

Hands-on in operation

Operational improvements

Procurement and inventory

Budget management

Tools

S&OP processes

Job description

Pod Talent in London is seeking a Head of Operations to own end-to-end operations and build the infrastructure for the next growth phase. The role requires a hands-on, detail-focused leader who can also think strategically and drive AI and automation initiatives.

You will oversee production operations, capacity planning, procurement, inventory, fulfilment, and data-driven decision making, while managing budgets and leading change in a fast-moving food and beverage environment.