Head of Operations

Job Title: Head of Operations 

Location: North Yorkshire 

Salary: £50,000-£60,000

The Company:

A well-established and growing manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to lead its next phase of operational development. Having invested heavily in systems, planning processes and production capability, the business is now looking for an operational leader who can build on these foundations and create a high-performing, accountable manufacturing operation. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious senior manufacturing leader who enjoys balancing strategic direction with a visible presence on the shop floor. The company ideally looking for someone to start in January 2027. 

Reporting directly to the Managing Directors and Group Operations Director, you'll take full responsibility for the manufacturing operation, leading production, warehouse, planning, and operational support functions.

You'll play a pivotal role in improving operational performance, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and developing a leadership team capable of delivering sustainable growth. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to improve productivity, strengthen operational discipline and create an engaged, high-performing workforce.

Job Description:

• Lead all production activities across multiple manufacturing areas.
• Deliver production plans safely, efficiently and on time.
• Improve productivity, labour utilisation and operational performance.
• Drive improvements in throughput, efficiency and manufacturing costs.
• Oversee warehouse operations, inventory control and despatch.
• Improve material flow and stock accuracy.
• Ensure operational alignment between production planning and warehousing.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality and cost performance.
• Embed sustainable process improvements across the operation.
• Drive greater utilisation of ERP/MRP systems.
• Improve operational reporting and data accuracy.
• Support automation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Lead and develop an established operational leadership team.
• Build accountability and high performance throughout the business.
• Coach, mentor and develop future leaders.
• Create a culture built on ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement.
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Skills Required:

• Proven success in a Head of Operations, Operations Manager or Operations Director role.
• Experience of success in Food / FMCG manufacturing.
• Strong manufacturing or production leadership experience.
• Experience leading warehouse and operational support functions.
• A track record of improving productivity, efficiency and operational performance.
• Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement expertise.
• Strong commercial awareness and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience implementing operational change and leading teams through transformation.
• A visible, hands-on leadership style with excellent communication skills.

• You'll inherit a business that has invested in its future and is now looking for the right operational leader to unlock the next level of performance.
• You'll be backed by a business who are keen to invest and develop the business. 
• You'll have genuine autonomy, the support of an engaged senior leadership team and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on a growing manufacturing operation.
• If you're passionate about operational excellence, developing people and driving measurable business improvement, we'd love to hear from you.