Operations Director
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Location | South Coast |
| Area | South, UK |
| Sector | Sales & Marketing |
| Salary | Excellent Package – DOE |
| Start Date | |
| Advertiser | Shelley Velati |
| Job Ref | SV/103362 |
| Working | On-Site |
- Description
Operations Director
Location: South Coast – Office Based | Full-time, Permanent
About the Role:
- As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Operations Director will define and deliver the operational strategy in line with the company’s growth plans and long-term vision.
- This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across manufacturing, planning, warehousing, systems, and supply chain functions.
- The successful candidate will ensure the business operates efficiently, safely, and profitably while remaining scalable, agile, and future-ready.
- A key focus of the role is leading operational transformation, including automation, systems development, and the digitisation of operations through Industry 4.0 principles and real-time, data-led decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape and deliver the operational strategy alongside the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team.
- Translate business strategy into a clear operational roadmap across all functions.
- Lead and develop a high-performing operations leadership team.
- Drive operational performance across cost, quality, service, efficiency, and delivery.
- Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence culture.
- Lead automation, systems development, and digital transformation initiatives.
- Oversee manufacturing capacity, planning, warehousing, and supply chain performance.
- Ensure robust budgeting, forecasting, and operational cost control.
- Build data-led performance reporting and KPI governance frameworks.
- Develop capability, succession planning, and workforce engagement.
- Ensure compliance, safety, sustainability, and risk management standards are met.
Person Specification, Experience & Skills:
- Proven senior operations leadership experience in UK FMCG manufacturing.
- Strong track record of delivering operational strategy aligned to business growth.
- Experience leading transformation, automation, or systems implementation.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting and forecasting.
- Data-driven approach to decision-making and performance management.
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or similar systems (desirable).
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Personal Attributes:
- Strategic, calm, and decisive under pressure.
- Inspirational and collaborative leadership style.
- Commercially astute with strong judgement.
- Highly organised, proactive, and delivery focused.
- Passionate about operational excellence and developing people.
Salary:
- Excellent Package – DOE
Contact:
Shelley Velati
Reference: SV/103362
Candidate care:
By responding to this advert you consent to Cavendish Maine processing the personal data included within this application.
If your application is successful we will contact you to discuss the opportunity in more detail, within 48 hours of receiving your application.
Should you not hear from us within 3 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please be advised that if unsuccessful for this role we may keep your details in our hold file for 6 months, during which time you may be contacted for other suitable vacancies. If you do not want us to do this please call us to advise.
In the meantime, we would like to thank you for your interest in Cavendish Maine.
