Operations Director / MD Designate

Operations Director/ MD Designate High-Growth FMCG Food Manufacturing Business | Northern Ireland A well-established and successful food manufacturing business with a turnover of circa £25M is seeking a strategic and hands-on Operations Director / MD Designate to lead the company through its next phase of growth. With a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and operational excellence, the business supplies major retailers across the UK and Ireland and continues to expand its market presence. The Role This is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Board, with full responsibility for manufacturing operations, efficiency, and business performance. Leading a 200+ strong workforce, you will drive continuous improvement, cost control, and operational strategy, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of its industry. A key part of this role will be optimising production processes, implementing LEAN manufacturing principles, and working closely with Finance, Procurement, and HR to align operations with overall business objectives. You will also oversee demand planning and production scheduling, ensuring operational capacity aligns with customer requirements and commercial targets. Additionally, there is a clear and potentially accelerated pathway to the Managing Director role, offering an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious leader eager to take on a more strategic and expansive position. Key Responsibilities Overseeing the end-to-end manufacturing process, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance. Driving LEAN manufacturing and waste reduction initiatives to improve operational effectiveness. Leading and developing a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Managing demand planning and production scheduling to optimise capacity, efficiency, and on-time delivery. Working closely with Finance, Procurement, and HR to support business growth. Ensuring best-in-class safety, quality, and production standards. Identifying opportunities for automation, investment, and innovation to support long-term success. Collaborating with the commercial team to meet the demands of major UK retailers. Providing strategic input at Board level, with a clear route to MD. The Person A seasoned operational leader from a manufacturing or FMCG background. Strong experience in high-volume, fast-paced production environments. A track record of leading teams, improving efficiency, and delivering results. Expertise in LEAN manufacturing, waste reduction, and continuous improvement. Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing P&L. Experience supplying major retailers (e.g., UK grocery multiples) and understanding the operational demands of this sector. A collaborative leader who can engage effectively with Finance, Procurement, HR, and Commercial teams. The ambition and capability to step into an MD role either immediately or in the near future. The Opportunity This is a high-impact leadership role in an ambitious and growing business. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the future direction of the company, drive operational excellence, and position yourself for a future MD role. If you’re an experienced Operations Director looking for your next challenge, get in touch with Sarah McGimpsey for a confidential discussion.

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