Head of Operations

Head of Operations | Potters Bar | Full-Time, On-SiteWe’re looking for an experienced Head of Operations to join the senior leadership team of a growing UK food import and distribution business.This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who knows how to get the best out of people, create accountability, embrace technology and bring structure to a fast-paced growing business.You’ll take ownership across a broad range of operational functions, helping departments work more effectively together while developing managers and teams, strengthening processes and improving overall business performance.Importantly, we’re looking for someone who is genuinely hands-on with AI and technology. You won’t simply oversee AI projects or delegate them to others — you should be confident using AI tools yourself, setting up AI-powered systems and workflows, and identifying practical opportunities to automate and improve how the business operates.What you’ll be responsible forLeading, coaching and developing managers and team membersCreating a high-performance culture with clear accountabilityOverseeing multiple operational functions and improving collaboration between departmentsStrengthening financial controls, including cash flow, credit control and operational cost managementDeveloping and embedding SOPs, training programmes and operational documentationBuilding meaningful KPI dashboards and management reportingPersonally using and implementing AI tools, automations and AI-enabled workflows across the businessIdentifying repetitive or inefficient processes that can be improved or automated using AISetting up practical AI systems that improve productivity, reporting, decision-making and operational efficiencyLeading process improvement, operational projects and business changeEnsuring the operation remains organised, compliant and scalable as the business growsContributing to the senior leadership team and helping shape the company’s long-term strategyWho we’re looking forYour leadership experience matters more to us than the industry you’ve worked in.You’ll have a strong track record of leading people at different levels, improving individual and team performance, and creating an environment where people are engaged, accountable and consistently deliver results.You’ll also be comfortable getting hands-on with technology and AI. We’re not looking for someone who simply manages an IT team or asks others to implement new systems. You should be someone who enjoys experimenting with technology, can personally build and configure AI-driven workflows and solutions, and understands how to turn AI into practical improvements in the day-to-day running of a business.You don’t need to be a software developer, but you should be technically confident, curious and capable of taking an AI or automation idea from concept through to a working solution.You’ll enjoy solving problems, implementing structure and taking ownership. You’ll be comfortable making decisions, addressing underperformance when necessary and putting systems in place that allow a growing business to scale.What’s on offerCompetitive salaryPerformance-related bonusSignificant autonomy and responsibilityThe opportunity to genuinely shape how the business operatesA seat on the senior leadership teamThe opportunity to introduce and implement new technology and AI across the businessThe opportunity to make a lasting impact on a growing business

Location: Potters BarWorking pattern: Full-time, on-siteSalary: Competitive + performance-related bonusIf you’re an experienced operational leader who enjoys developing people, improving performance, building better systems and personally using technology and AI to make businesses work smarter, we’d love to hear from you.