About the position
Are you a high-impact, strategic manufacturing leader ready to drive operational excellence across a complex, multi-site FMCG environment?
We are seeking a commercially astute and results-driven Group Operations Executive to lead, transform, and optimise manufacturing operations across our national footprint. Reporting directly to the Group CEO, this role carries full accountability for operational performance, profitability, and long-term manufacturing strategy. This is a critical executive position for a leader who can seamlessly translate strategy into execution, build high-performing teams, and deliver world-class manufacturing standards at scale.
The Role As the Group Operations Executive, you will serve as the vital link between corporate strategy and operational delivery. You will oversee all manufacturing plants, ensuring alignment to business objectives while driving efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth. You will be responsible for embedding a culture of continuous improvement, operational discipline, and safety excellence, while ensuring optimal utilisation of assets, people, and processes.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Execution
- Develop and implement a robust, future-fit manufacturing strategy aligned to the Group’s growth objectives
- Drive operational integration and standardisation across all sites
- Partner with the executive team to support business expansion, innovation, and market competitiveness
Operational Excellence & Performance Management
- Lead the implementation of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and Six Sigma methodologies
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Establish and monitor KPIs to ensure consistent delivery against production, efficiency, and quality targets
Financial & Commercial Accountability
- Maintain full P&L responsibility for all manufacturing operations
- Optimise cost of goods sold (COGS) through waste reduction, process efficiency, and productivity improvements
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cost control initiatives across all plants
Engineering, Maintenance & Capex
- Ensure optimal asset reliability and plant uptime through effective maintenance strategies
- Lead capital investment planning and execution, including plant upgrades, expansions, and new installations
- Drive innovation and adoption of new technologies to enhance operational capability
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
- Uphold the highest standards of product quality and safety
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, legal, and industry standards
- Drive a culture of quality excellence across all manufacturing sites Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE)
- Champion a zero-harm culture and ensure strict adherence to HSE policies and procedures
- Lead initiatives to improve workplace safety, sustainability, and environmental compliance
Leadership & Talent Development
- Provide strong leadership to Plant Managers and cross-functional teams
- Build and develop high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
Why Join Our Client? Executive Influence Direct reporting line to the Group CEO with significant strategic input Scale & Complexity Lead multiple manufacturing sites with substantial production volumes and diverse operations Transformation Opportunity Play a key role in driving operational turnaround, optimisation, and long-term growth Impact-Driven Role Shape the future of manufacturing within a dynamic and expanding FMCG group
Minimum Requirements
- Education Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical or related field)
- MBA or postgraduate qualification in Business Management is highly advantageous
- Experience 12–15+ years’ experience in FMCG manufacturing, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership role
- Proven track record managing multiple manufacturing sites with full operational accountability
Key Competencies & Track Record
- Demonstrated success in driving operational turnaround and performance improvement
- Strong experience in scaling operations and managing growth within a complex environment
- Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L and cost optimisation
- Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, and change management capability
- Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on within a fast-paced environment
We are committed to locating the ideal job for you, so we kindly advise against paying for this service. There are no costs associated with securing employment with us.
Desired Skills:
- Result Driven
- Professional
- Success Driven
