Operations Director

Henderson Brown Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing business is seeking an Operations Director to oversee operations across multiple sites in the UK. This role involves strategic leadership, driving operational excellence, and implementing continuous improvement practices. The ideal candidate has proven experience in food manufacturing and a strong background in health & safety. You will be responsible for high production standards while building effective teams and achieving outstanding customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Operations Director or in a senior operations leadership role within Food Manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of health & safety legislation and manufacturing excellence principles.
• Financially astute with the ability to manage large-scale budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational aspects including Production, Engineering, Quality and Health & Safety.
• Implement strategic objectives and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain accountability for safety, quality, cost, and service performance.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Operational strategy

Health & safety knowledge

Budget management

Communication

Job description

Overview

This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to join an innovative, leading food manufacturing business as Operations Director. This is a critical leadership role, acting as the direct link between the Board and Operational Teams, requiring a hands-on approach and the ability to inspire and drive high performance across multiple manufacturing sites. This role is perfect for a results driven leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, influencing a positive culture and delivering operational excellence. You will bring energy, integrity, and a passion for continuous improvement to the leadership team while holding full accountability for safety, quality, cost, and service performance across the UK manufacturing footprint. The task at hand will be to implement strategic objectives throughout all levels of the organisation, overseeing all operational aspects of the business including Production, Engineering, Quality and Health & Safety. You'll lead the delivery of an engaging people plan, implement effective performance management and ensure robust operational planning to deliver outstanding customer satisfaction and commercial results. Your role will be pivotal in future-proofing the operation, embedding lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices and supporting sustainable growth across a high-care, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational aspects of the business including Production, Engineering, Quality and Health & Safety across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Lead the delivery of an engaging people plan, implement effective performance management and ensure robust operational planning to deliver customer satisfaction and commercial results.
• Implement strategic objectives throughout all levels of the organisation and drive continuous improvement across the operation.
• Embed lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices to future-proof the operation and support sustainable growth in a high-care environment.
• Maintain full accountability for safety, quality, cost and service performance across the UK manufacturing footprint.

Ideal Candidate / Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Operations Director or in a senior operations leadership role within Food Manufacturing.
• Background in high-care or chilled food production across multi-site environments.
• Strong, values-led leader who can motivate, coach and develop teams while maintaining accountability for results.
• Demonstrable success in driving operational strategy, delivering measurable improvements in margin, efficiency, and quality.
• Strong understanding of health & safety legislation, technical compliance and manufacturing excellence principles.
• Experience managing CAPEX projects and continuous improvement programmes.
• Financially astute, with the ability to develop and manage large-scale budgets.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Resilient, proactive and able to thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment.
• Flexibility to travel across the UK as required.

Application

If you believe you fit the requirements for this role, please get in touch confidentially with Will Malcolm at: (url removed) | (phone number removed)

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