UK Operations Manager

MorePeople; Elloughton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading horticultural supply chain company is seeking an Operations Manager for its new UK entity. You will lead operational setup, oversee logistics and quality assurance, and support significant growth in client base. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years of experience in operations management within fresh produce or horticulture, strong leadership skills, and a track record in managing commercial audits. This position requires a hands-on leader who fosters a collaborative team culture.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of at least 3-5 years in an Operations Management role.
• Essential technical knowledge and experience in the Fresh Produce or Horticulture supply chain sector.
• Demonstrable experience in preparing for and passing commercial audits from major UK retailers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational setup of the new UK entity, including site selection.
• Oversee UK logistics, warehousing, and distribution activities.
• Implement robust operations to support doubling the UK client base.

Skills

Operational leadership

Team leadership

Logistics management

Process implementation

Quality assurance

Job description

Are you a results-oriented leader who is highly organised, commercially astute, and meticulous about quality?

Do you possess the technical depth to manage a complex perishable supply chain and the confidence to establish and grow a new operation from the ground up. Crucially, do you lead by example, a naturally relaxed and open-minded, and a highly visible presence among your team, driving the operational excellence.

We are a highly successful European leader in the horticultural supply chain, known for connecting high-quality plants and products with major retailers across the continent. As we embark on a strategic expansion into the UK, we aren't just looking for an employee, we are looking for a leader.

This is a pivotal, hands-on role for an operational architect. You will be our figurehead operational representative on the ground in the UK, tasked with taking our proven European model and establishing a robust, scalable presence. If you have the ambition to lead an operation that aims to double its client base in the next 3-5 years, I want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Setup: Lead the operational setup of the new UK entity, including initial site selection, logistics partner onboarding, and process implementation in coordination with the Group Head Office.
• End-to-End Management: Oversee all UK logistics, warehousing, inventory control, and distribution activities to ensure on-time delivery and product quality.
• Scalability: Implement operations and infrastructure that are robust and scalable to support the company's objective of doubling the UK client base over the next 3-5 years.
• Quality, Compliance & Audit Management:
  • Technical Expertise: Serve as the technical authority on the handling, storage, and quality assurance of fresh produce/horticultural products.
  • Commercial Compliance: Prepare for and successfully manage rigourous commercial audits required by key UK retail partners, including major supermarkets and garden centre chains.
• Team Leadership & Cultural Presence:
  • Visible Leadership: Be a hands-on, present leader who actively engages with and supports the growing UK operational team (once hired).
  • Culture Building: Foster a relaxed, open-minded, and collaborative team culture that encourages feedback, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Empowerment: Delegate effectively and empower team members, promoting accountability and professional development.
• Cross-Border Coordination & Communication:
  • Head Office Liaison: Act as the primary operational interface between the UK entity and the Head Office in the Netherlands, ensuring alignment on strategy, reporting, and operational performance.
  • Travel: Attend mandatory quarterly trips to the European Head Office in the Netherlands for strategy, reporting, and team meetings.
  • Autonomy: Successfully manage the UK operations independently, demonstrating high levels of confidence, initiative, and self-motivation while working autonomously.
• Required Skills & Experience: Proven track record of at least 3-5 years in an Operations Management role within a fast-paced environment, essential technical knowledge and experience operating within the Fresh Produce or Horticulture supply chain sector, demonstrable experience in preparing for and successfully passing commercial audits from major UK retailers, evidence of successful team leadership, and experience designing and implementing operational strategies that support significant business growth.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience: Proven track record of at least 3-5 years in an Operations Management role within a fast-paced environment.
• Sector Expertise (Non-Negotiable): Essential technical knowledge and experience operating within the Fresh Produce or Horticulture supply chain sector.
• Commercial Audit Proficiency: Demonstrable experience in preparing for and successfully passing commercial audits from major UK retailers (e.g., Tesco, large garden centre groups).
• Leadership Style: Evidence of successful team leadership, characterised by a present, engaging, and approachable demeanour.
• Strategic Planning: Experience designing and implementing operational strategies that support significant business growth (e.g., managing a client base expansion).
• Travel: Flexibility and willingness to undertake mandatory quarterly travel to the Netherlands.