Our client, a well-respected and growing food manufacturing business, is seeking a dynamic Head of Operations to drive performance, lead an experienced team, and take the business to the next level.

This is a key leadership role overseeing all aspects of a high-care production facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations that deliver exceptional results in quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

The successful candidate will bring strong strategic and operational expertise, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration across all site departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop all site functions including Operations, Engineering, Technical, and Hygiene.

• Chair weekly and monthly performance meetings to review KPIs, progress, and improvement priorities.

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, legal, and customer requirements (including BRCGS, FSA, and HACCP).

• Promote a proactive Health & Safety culture, ensuring risk management and safe working practices are embedded.

• Support Technical and Quality teams in maintaining audit readiness and responding to non-conformances.

• Maintain strict hygiene, zoning, and environmental control procedures suitable for high-care manufacturing.

• Drive production efficiency, product quality, and service performance against agreed KPIs.

• Identify and lead improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve yield, and enhance productivity.

• Oversee preventive maintenance plans and ensure high factory standards through collaboration with Engineering and Hygiene teams.

• Build strong working relationships with suppliers, auditors, and external regulators.

• Work closely with Technical and commercial teams to strengthen food safety, product quality, and site standards.

• Provide visible safety leadership and ensure compliance with all H&S standards and legislation.

• Develop, monitor, and continuously improve site health and safety systems.

• Embed a culture where all colleagues take ownership for safety performance and reporting.

• Communicate safety performance and initiatives across teams and stakeholders.

• Lead sustainability performance for the site, ensuring targets for waste, water, and energy reduction are met.

• Champion ethical and responsible practices, driving engagement and ownership within teams.

• Monitor and report on progress to ensure accountability and transparency.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Proven leadership experience in a senior operational role within high-care or high-risk food manufacturing.

• Strong understanding of HACCP, food safety management, and BRCGS standards.

• Demonstrated success in leading audits and driving site performance improvement.

• Excellent knowledge of manufacturing KPIs, process optimisation, and people leadership.

• IOSH/NEBOSH qualification or strong working knowledge of health and safety management.

• Experience in retailer liaison and customer relationship management.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborates effectively across departments to promote teamwork and shared ownership.

• Displays accountability and commitment to both results and values.

• Makes confident, well-reasoned decisions in challenging circumstances.

• Focuses on improvement and innovation to drive operational excellence.

• Builds trust through open communication and respect for varied viewpoints.

• Leads by example, inspiring team engagement and alignment with company goals.

Please get in touch for more informaiton on this exciting opportunity or apply with your CV today.