Halmer Group
Head of Operations
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About the Company
We are recruiting a Head of Operations for a growing FMCG food and drink manufacturer in Farnham. This is a senior, hands-on manufacturing leadership role with responsibility for safe, efficient end-to-end production, from processing and bottling through to warehousing. You will combine strategic planning with a visible presence on the factory floor, strengthen operational systems, and build a high-performing team as the business scales. The role offers the opportunity to travel within the UK and internationally. Because this is a site-led operational position, regular attendance in Farnham is essential; some home working may become available in time, once the role and business requirements allow.
About the Role
Head of Operations
Responsibilities
- Lead daily manufacturing and production operations across all shifts, ensuring labour, equipment, and materials are used safely and efficiently.
- Own production planning and scheduling with Supply Chain to meet customer demand, service levels, and capacity requirements.
- Provide visible leadership on the factory floor, troubleshooting production issues, and leading practical root-cause problem solving.
- Lead, coach, and develop a multi-disciplinary, shift-based workforce, supporting recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
- Maintain compliance with HACCP, GMP, food safety, quality, legal, and health and safety requirements, and support customer, third-party, and regulatory audits.
- Use technical manufacturing knowledge to implement change, improve systems, and embed robust, scalable operating processes.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste and downtime, improve efficiency, and increase output.
- Own operational KPIs, including output, waste, downtime, labour efficiency, and service levels, using data and direct observation to drive decisions.
- Manage labour costs, overtime, and operational budgets, contributing practical insight to growth and capital investment plans.
- Partner closely with Planning, Purchasing, Quality, and Logistics as a senior voice within the operations leadership team.
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Qualifications
- HACCP Level 3 or above, or an equivalent Level 3 food safety qualification.
- A degree in Business Management or a closely related discipline such as Food Science or Engineering.
Required Skills
- Proven senior operations or production leadership experience in an FMCG food or drink manufacturing environment.
- Strong experience managing end-to-end manufacturing operations across multiple departments or functions.
- A track record of leading and developing large, multi-disciplinary teams, including shift-based workforces.
- Working knowledge of GMP, food safety legislation, and audit requirements within manufacturing.
- Demonstrable experience delivering continuous improvement, systems implementation, waste reduction, and efficiency gains.
- Experience owning manufacturing KPIs, labour costs, and operational budgets.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel in the UK and internationally.
Preferred Skills
- A recognised health and safety certificate, such as IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent.
- Technical or engineering experience that supports equipment, process, and manufacturing systems improvement.
- Experience scaling production during a period of growth.
- Knowledge of supply chain and production planning, plus exposure to capital investment or equipment procurement.
Leadership style
You will be a practical, credible, and visible leader who is comfortable moving between the factory floor and senior-level discussions. You communicate clearly at every level, make sound data-led decisions, and remain calm under pressure. High standards of integrity, food safety, and people leadership are essential, alongside the ambition to improve operations and help build a growing business.
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Pay range and compensation package
- Salary up to £80,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9.00am–5.30pm.
- Farnham-based role with opportunities for UK and international travel.
- Potential for some home working in the future, subject to successful onboarding and operational requirements.
Benefits
- Private health assurance and insurance
- Performance-based bonus of up to 20% of yearly salary
- Income protection
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Hybrid work for most office roles
- On-site gym
- Health & wellbeing scheme where employees can claim up to £60 a month for anything health-related (i.e. Gym membership, massage)
- EAP
- Free product
Apply
If you are an experienced Head of Operations, Manufacturing Manager, Production Director, or senior FMCG operations leader with food or drink manufacturing expertise, we would welcome your application. Please apply with an up-to-date CV outlining your leadership experience, HACCP qualification, and examples of operational improvement. All applications will be considered on their individual merits. The responsibilities described may evolve as the business grows.
Benefits
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Work from home
Application question(s)
- Do you have a HACCP Level 3?
- Do you have Operations management experience within FMCG?
- Do you have a Business Management Degree or Equivalent?
- Do you have a Health and safety Certificate?
- Do you have access to your own Transport?
- How much notice do you have to give at your current employer?
- How much is your current Salary?
Equal Opportunity Statement
All applications will be considered on their individual merits.
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