Operations Director – FMCG / Manufacturing

About the role

The Operations Director (Chief Operations Officer) will lead the organisation’s end‑to‑end operations and supply chain for a publicly listed FMCG group. The role oversees manufacturing, quality assurance, R&D/NPD, engineering, HSE, planning, logistics and warehousing, driving operational excellence, efficiency, safety and sustainable business growth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end operations and supply chain strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Oversee Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, R&D/NPD, HSE, Planning, Logistics and Warehousing.
• Drive operational excellence, productivity, cost optimisation, capacity utilisation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure high standards of product quality, safety, regulatory compliance and operational risk management.
• Optimise production planning, inventory, logistics, warehousing and overall supply chain performance.
• Lead capital projects, asset reliability, maintenance and operational technology initiatives.
• Drive innovation, new product development and successful industrialisation of new products.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs covering cost, quality, service, productivity, safety and working capital.

Required profile

• 15+ years’ experience in operations, manufacturing and/or supply chain leadership.
• Strong experience in FMCG or a complex manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record leading multiple operational pillars such as manufacturing, engineering, quality, logistics, planning and/or R&D.
• Demonstrated experience managing large teams, operational budgets and capital expenditure.
• Track record of delivering improvements in productivity, cost, quality, service and operational efficiency.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business or a related field; postgraduate qualification is advantageous.