Head of Operations

Talent Guardian

We’re recruiting a commercially minded and hands-on Head of Operations to lead the day-to-day running of a growing food and drink manufacturing facility in Farnham.
  
This is a senior leadership position covering the full production operation, from manufacturing and bottling through to warehousing. You’ll combine strategic planning with a visible presence on the factory floor, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.
  
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead daily production operations across all shifts, ensuring labour, equipment and materials are used efficiently
  • Plan production alongside the supply chain team to meet customer demand and manage capacity
  • Lead and develop a large, multi-disciplinary production team
  • Troubleshoot operational issues and lead problem-solving directly on the factory floor
  • Maintain high standards across food safety, quality, HACCP, GMP and health and safety
  • Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve efficiency and increase output
  • Manage labour efficiency, overtime, production costs and operational budgets
  • Develop and monitor KPIs covering output, waste, downtime and service levels
  • Support recruitment, onboarding and training across the production team
  • Work closely with Planning, Purchasing, Quality and Logistics
  • Support the continued growth and scaling of the manufacturing operation
About You
  • Significant experience in a senior production or operations leadership role within food or drink manufacturing
  • Proven experience managing end-to-end manufacturing operations across multiple departments
  • Strong track record of leading and developing large, shift-based teams
  • Experience driving continuous improvement and improving manufacturing efficiency
  • Confident managing production KPIs, labour costs and operational budgets
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP and food safety legislation
  • Experience supporting customer, regulatory or third-party audits
  • A visible, hands-on leader who is equally comfortable on the factory floor and working with senior leadership
  • Calm under pressure, commercially aware and solutions focused
A degree in Business Management, Food Science, Engineering or a related subject is required, alongside a Level 3 or higher HACCP or food safety qualification. An IOSH Managing Safely qualification or equivalent would be advantageous.
  
A full UK driving licence is also required.
  
This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a growing manufacturing operation and play a key role in developing its people, processes and future capabilities.
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