Head of Operations

Head of OperationsLocation: East-MidlandsReporting to: CEOThe OpportunityOur client is looking to welcome an experienced Head of Operations to take overall responsibility for the operational performance of a fast-growing food manufacturing business.Reporting directly to the CEO and operating as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will have end-to-end accountability across production, warehousing, inventory, dispatch and logistics.This is a pivotal role for an operational leader who can bring the structure, capability, commercial focus and operational discipline required to support significant growth.The successful candidate will ideally have a proven track record of scaling or transforming operations within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial SME environment.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic and operational leadership across production, warehousing, inventory, dispatch and logistics.Develop and implement the operational strategy required to support rapid and sustainable business growth.Build robust capacity plans covering labour, shifts, equipment, production capability, storage and transport.Ensure operational performance consistently meets the required standards for safety, quality, service, efficiency, waste and cost.Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the end-to-end operation.Establish clear performance measures, KPIs and accountability across operational teams.Develop and strengthen the management team, creating a high-performing culture with clear ownership and responsibility.Work closely with the CEO and wider SLT on commercial, financial and strategic decisions.Support major customer launches, operational change programmes and capital investment projects.Ensure the operation is appropriately structured, resourced and equipped to support future growth.Maintain a strong presence on the factory floor, providing hands-on leadership while operating effectively at strategic and board-level discussions.Identify operational risks and opportunities proactively, developing practical solutions before issues become critical.Essential Experience & CapabilitiesThe successful candidate will have:Senior leadership experience within food manufacturing.Proven accountability extending beyond production into warehousing, inventory, stock control, dispatch and logistics.Strong experience of capacity planning across labour, shifts, equipment, storage and transport.A demonstrable track record of successfully scaling, transforming or significantly improving an operation.Strong operational control across health & safety, quality, customer service, labour efficiency, waste and cost.Good commercial and financial understanding, with the ability to understand how operational decisions impact profitability and business performance.Strong people leadership skills, with a track record of developing managers and building capable, accountable teams.The credibility and practical understanding to lead effectively from the factory floor, combined with the strategic capability to operate as a member of the SLT.The Ideal CandidateYou are likely to be someone who:Has worked within a growing, entrepreneurial SME, ideally in a high-paced food manufacturing environment.Has experience supporting significant customer launches, business growth and/or major capital investment.Is data-led, proactive and solutions-focused, using information to drive better operational decisions.Brings structure and discipline without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.Builds strong management capability rather than relying on constant firefighting.Is commercially minded and understands the balance between service, growth, quality, people and profitability.Is comfortable working at both a strategic level and getting directly involved in operational challenges when required.Has the energy, resilience and leadership style needed to take an operation through a significant period of growth and change.