Head of Operations

About the role

Talent Guardian is seeking a commercially minded, hands‑on Head of Operations to lead the day‑to‑day running of its growing food and drink manufacturing facility in Farnham. This senior leadership position combines strategic planning with a visible presence on the factory floor to ensure safe, efficient, high‑quality production.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily production across all shifts, optimising labour, equipment and materials.
• Plan production with the supply‑chain team to meet demand and manage capacity.
• Develop and manage a large, multi‑disciplinary, shift‑based production team.
• Troubleshoot operational issues directly on the factory floor.
• Maintain food safety, HACCP, GMP and health‑and‑safety standards.
• Drive continuous‑improvement initiatives to reduce waste and increase output.
• Control labour efficiency, overtime, production costs and operational budgets.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for output, waste, downtime and service levels.

Required profile

• Significant senior production or operations leadership experience in food or drink manufacturing.
• Proven track record managing end‑to‑end manufacturing across multiple departments.
• Experience leading large, shift‑based teams and delivering continuous‑improvement.
• Strong commercial awareness, calm under pressure and solution‑focused.
• Degree in Business Management, Food Science, Engineering or related field, plus Level 3 HACCP or higher qualification.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification and a full UK driving licence are advantageous.

Required skills

• HACCP
• GMP
• Food safety legislation
• IOSH Managing Safely