Operations Director

Liquidline; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 Days Annual Leave

Company Bonus Scheme

Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Liquidline is seeking an experienced Operations Director to join the senior leadership team and shape the future of our UK operations. You will oversee Engineering, Logistics and Warehouse functions, drive productivity, and ensure scalable growth with a focus on customer service excellence.

You will build high-performing teams, lead workforce planning, optimize processes and maintain strong governance across safety, quality and cost control.

Qualifications

• Significant experience at director or senior management level in operations.
• Background across engineering, logistics, or manufacturing operations.
• Proven track record of leading growth and transformation initiatives.
• Strong commercial awareness balancing performance, cost and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction and day-to-day performance of operations.
• Translate business strategy into actionable operational plans and KPIs.
• Build high-performing teams and oversee workforce planning and development.
• Manage budgets, cost control and safety standards.
• Drive change programs and adoption of new technologies and ways of working.

Skills

Executive leadership

Operational strategy

Data-driven decisions

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Change management

Job description

Operations Director

Liquidline is the fastest-growing commercial coffee solutions provider in the UK and Ireland—not that we’re bragging! Our customers are companies that take pride in offering quality refreshments to their employees and clients. Our success is built on outstanding customer service, hard work, and a strong team culture. We believe in delivering WOW experiences to both our customers and our valued employees.

We are proud to be Great Place to Work® certified, a testament to our dedication to fostering a culture of support, growth and development, as well as promoting well-being, and winning together. With our core company values—passion, thoughtfulness, responsiveness, innovation, and smart working—at the very heart of our business, we are committed to cultivating an environment that inspires excellence.

At Liquidline, we are passionate about delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions and outstanding customer experiences. As we continue our growth journey, we are looking for an experienced and ambitious Operations Director to join our senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our operations. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for overseeing our Engineering, Logistics and Warehouse functions, ensuring operational excellence, continuous improvement and scalable growth across the business.

The Responsibilities of the Operations Director

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Operations Director will lead the strategic direction and day-to-day performance of our operational teams. You will be responsible for translating business strategy into operational plans, driving productivity, improving customer outcomes and ensuring the business is equipped to support future growth.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will build and develop high-performing teams, champion continuous improvement and create the operational framework needed to deliver exceptional service while maintaining strong commercial performance.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver operational strategies aligned to business growth and long-term goals
• Translate company objectives into clear plans, priorities and measurable outcomes
• Provide performance insights and lead operational planning, including future hub development

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement across Engineering, Logistics and Warehouse operations
• Define and monitor KPIs across service, quality, productivity, cost and customer satisfaction
• Optimise processes, systems and resource utilisation through data-led decision-making

Leadership & People Development

• Build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Coach and develop leaders to maximise performance and engagement
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment and succession activity

Financial & Commercial Performance

• Manage operational budgets and ensure effective cost control
• Improve efficiency while maintaining high standards of service and safety
• Partner with commercial teams to support growth, retention and profitability

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong health & safety culture and ensure regulatory compliance
• Promote safe working practices and continuous risk improvement

Change & Transformation

• Lead operational change and transformation programmes
• Drive adoption of new technologies, systems and ways of working
• Support digital initiatives to enhance visibility, efficiency and performance

What We Are Looking For In The Role Of Operations Director

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant experience working at director, or senior management level within an Operational Capacity.
• Background within engineering, field service delivery, logistics, manufacturing, facilities management or a similar operational environment.
• Demonstrable success leading multi-functional teams through growth, change and transformation.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience balancing operational performance, customer satisfaction and cost management.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in productivity, service quality and operational efficiency.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Experience leading continuous improvement and business transformation initiatives.
• Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.

You will be:

• A proactive and solutions-focused leader.
• Passionate about operational excellence and customer service.
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• An effective coach and mentor who develops high-performing teams.
• Collaborative, approachable and committed to building a positive workplace culture.
• Driven by results while maintaining strong people leadership.

What You Will Learn & What Liquidline Can Offer You

Being a part of Liquidline is more than just a job – it’s a chance to grow, develop and thrive! We are deeply invested in the success of our team and our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support, and reward our employees. The package includes, but is not limited too:

• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays: Extra time off to rest and recharge.
• Long Service Annual Leave Entitlement & Buy/Sell Scheme: More flexibility for your time off needs.
• Candidate Referral Program: Help grow our team and earn rewards
• Company Bonus Scheme: Celebrate success with us.
• Enhanced Sick Pay: Supporting you when you need it most
• Enhanced Parental Leave: Comprehensive support for your family journey
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: Save for your future with ease.
• Life Assurance & Income Protection (UK Only): Peace of mind for you.
• HSF Health Plan: Access affordable healthcare.
• YuLife Wellbeing Platform: One stop shop for wellbeing, rewards and support.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Mental health support, virtual GP services and more.
• Menopause Support via Stella App: Tailored support for this stage of life.
• Lunch on Liquidline & Bi-Annual Conferences: Enjoy lunch on Liquidline, and Bi Annual company conferences.

Liquidline is a fast-growing, family owned business that has expanded from 92 to over 300 employees since 2020. With ambitious plans for the next five years, there’s never been a better time to join us! Our dynamic and innovative environment offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer, treating everyone with fairness, respect and appreciation. At Liquidline, we embrace diversity and value the unique experiences and perspectives of every individual. Together, we are always Winning Together!