Pod Talent
Head of Operations
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Head of Operations
We’re working with a growing, values-led food and beverage business that has built a strong reputation around quality, sustainability, and great customer experiences.
They’re now looking for a Head of Operations to take ownership of their end-to-end operations and help build the infrastructure needed for the next stage of growth.
This is a role for someone who enjoys being close to the detail, but who can also step back and think strategically.
You’ll own:
- Running production operations, ensuring on-time production, quality, and customer delivery
- Production and capacity planning
- Procurement of packaging and consumables
- S&OP and demand planning
- Inventory and stock management
- Fulfilment and logistics
- Operational budgets and cost management
- Health & Safety, compliance, and risk
- Continuous improvement and automation
The operation is entering an exciting period of change and growth, so this isn't about simply keeping things ticking over.
You’ll be expected to look at how things work today, challenge them, and make them better. That could mean introducing more effective planning processes, improving production flow, reducing waste, strengthening supplier relationships, improving data accuracy, or identifying opportunities to automate repetitive work. The role will also have a real opportunity to bring AI and automation into the way the operation runs.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What will you be doing?
You’ll lead the Operations and Customer Experience teams, building a high-performing, solutions-focused culture while maintaining a hands-on approach when the operation needs it.
A big part of the role will be developing a robust S&OP process, translating demand into practical decisions around packaging, capacity, and production.
You’ll also drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, leading change and automation projects from business case through to implementation.
Alongside this, you'll own relationships with third-party production and logistics partners, ensuring suppliers deliver against agreed SLAs, quality, and service expectations. And while this is a senior leadership role, you won’t be someone who manages from a distance.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What we're looking for
We’re looking for an experienced operations leader who has worked in food, beverage, or FMCG manufacturing and knows what good looks like in a fast-moving operational environment.
You’ll ideally bring:
- Strong experience leading manufacturing/operations teams in an SME business
- A willingness to be hands-on in the operation
- Experience delivering measurable operational improvements
- Strong understanding of procurement, inventory, and production planning
- Excellent commercial and budget management skills
- Experience leading teams through change
- A data-driven approach to decision-making
The role is based in central London and will require someone happy to be on site more often than working hybrid, due to the nature of the operational team being on site. However, flexibility and hybrid is available!
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location