Head of Operations

Salary & Contract Ebbw Vale Salary: £70,000–£75,000 benefits Contract: Permanent Location: Ebbw Vale Company: The Compleat Food Group Shape the future of a major chilled food manufacturing site and lead teams to deliver excellence. About the Company The Compleat Food Group is a leading name in fresh food manufacturing, supplying some of the UK’s most recognisable retailers with high-quality chilled products. Position Overview We are now seeking an experienced, people-focused Head of Operations to oversee the entire manufacturing operation at our Ebbw Vale site. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring that production, quality, service and cost performance consistently meet and exceed business expectations. Leading multiple Factory Managers across several chilled product lines, you will drive operational delivery, cultural development and strategic improvement across the site. Key Responsibilities As Head of Operations, you will be accountable for end‑to‑end manufacturing operations from order receipt through production to final despatch including full inbound and outbound supply chain activity. You will: Lead and guide Factory Managers to deliver budgeted financial and service performance Review daily KPIs, allocate clear accountabilities and ensure effective operational control Manage overhead budgets, forecasts and P&L responsibilities Champion product quality through strong collaboration with Technical, Hygiene, Development and Production teams Partner with NPD to ensure smooth, well‑embedded product introductions Drive a culture of continuous improvement across all production areas Maintain regular contact with customers to build confidence and strong working relationships Lead capital planning: identifying requirements, sourcing equipment and delivering agreed financial benefits Coach, mentor and develop direct managers to build a strong succession pipeline Lead succession planning and support recruitment of future operational leaders About You We are looking for a proven operations leader who brings both strategic capability and a hands‑on leadership style. Experience Required At least 10 years’ experience in FMCG manufacturing Strong exposure to chilled, high‑care, short‑life retailer‑brand production Demonstrable background in change management, culture shift and coaching Full financial awareness: P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting Knowledge of HR practice, including ER/TU exposure Experience in supply chain operations within a fast‑moving environment Understanding of technical/food safety standards Strong project management capability Desirable: Customer/commercial relationship experience Qualifications: Degree qualified (ideally in a food‑related discipline) Desirable: Management qualification What You’ll Bring A collaborative, engaging leadership style Strong communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels A results‑driven and continuous improvement mindset Passion for developing people, teams and future leaders The ability to build trust with customers, colleagues and stakeholders About The Compleat Food Group We’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to create Food to Feel Good: great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat. We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own‑label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added‑value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant‑based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice. With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better. We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners. Apply Today Submit your CV and take the next step in your operational leadership career with TCFG. #J-18808-Ljbffr