Director of Manufacturing

Site Director - Food Manufacturing South Wales - relocation available£100,000-140,000 + car allowance + bonus + benefitsA growing, premium food manufacturing business is seeking an Operations Director to lead and optimise its end-to-end manufacturing function during an exciting period of expansion.Operating within the ambient food category and supplying major retail and foodservice customers through branded and third party manufacturing goods, the business is focused on scaling production capability, improving operational efficiency and strengthening customer service performance.This is a pivotal leadership role with full accountability for manufacturing, engineering and operational delivery.The role:Reporting into the business CEO, you will take ownership of the operational function, ensuring that sales growth is supported by robust manufacturing execution, strong supply chain discipline and best-in-class service levels.The remit includes:Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)Contract manufacturing and co-packer managementBranded goodsSupply chain and demand planningProcurement and supplier performanceWarehousing and distributionSHEQ and food safety governanceProcess improvement and operational excellenceField-based technical and customer support where requiredThis function is responsible for turning commercial opportunity into operational reality — delivering safe, compliant, high-quality food products on time and in full, while maintaining margin discipline.Lead all operational matters across food manufacturing and supply chainEnsure OTIF performance and service levels meet retailer expectationsOversee manufacturing to ensure food safety, quality and efficiency standards are metDrive continuous improvement across production planning, inventory management and logisticsLead Sales & Operations Planning processes to align forecast, capacity and supplyOwn operational budgets, cost control and working capital performance (including stock and aged WIP)Deliver weekly operational and financial forward-looking reportingEnsure full compliance with food safety, hygiene and regulatory standardsCollaborate closely with Technical, NPD and Commercial teams to support product launchesLead capital investment planning and operational infrastructure developmentManage procurement strategy to protect margin and ensure supply continuityRecruit, develop and mentor high-performing operational teamsImplement lean manufacturing and supply chain best practicesResolve complex operational or customer service challenges with pace and accountabilityCreate a strong succession plan for all key rolesThe person:We are seeking a senior operations leader with deep experience in food manufacturing.Degree educated (engineering, food manufacturing, supply chain or related discipline)10+ years’ experience within food manufacturing or FMCG production environmentsStrong understanding of ambient food production and co-manufacturing modelsExperience managing retailer-facing supply chainsDemonstrable success delivering operational efficiency and cost improvementStrong commercial and financial acumenYou will demonstrate:Strategic oversight with strong operational detail orientationDeep understanding of S&OP and demand planning within food environmentsExperience leading multi-disciplinary operational teamsHigh standards around food safety, compliance and qualityAbility to operate at pace in a growing businessStrong analytical capability and structured problem solvingA hands-on leadership style with clear accountabilityExperience within branded and private label food supply would be highly advantageous.Why Consider This Role?Full operational ownership within a scaling food manufacturerOpportunity to strengthen manufacturing and supply chain capabilityDirect influence on growth trajectory and customer performanceHigh visibility within a lean, ambitious leadership teamPlatform for future progression within a growing food groupThis opportunity will suit a commercially astute, operationally disciplined leader who understands the complexities of food manufacturing and thrives on delivering performance in a growth environment.To apply please email your CV to kate.hamilton@hprtalent.com