Head of Operations (Chilled Food Production)

Head of Operations – Palethorpes Bakery

Salary: Competitive Salary + benefits
Contract: Permanent
Location: Palethorpes Bakery, Shropshire

Shape the future of a major chilled food manufacturing site and lead teams to deliver excellence.

The Compleat Food Group is the fastest growing chilled food manufacturing companies in the UK, supplying the UK’s most recognisable retailers and Food Service businesses with high-quality chilled products. We are now seeking an experienced, people-focused Head of Operations to oversee the entire manufacturing operation at our Palethorpes Bakery in Shropshire.

This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring that production, quality, service and cost performance consistently meet and exceed business expectations. Leading Factory Managers across one of our largest bakeries and several production lines, you will drive operational delivery, cultural development and strategic operational excellence improvement across the site.

The Role

As Head of Operations, you will be accountable for end-to-end manufacturing operations — from Preparation through production to final despatch — You will:

• Lead and guide Factory Managers to deliver budgeted financial and service performance across 24/7 working
• 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, Asset Care, Hygiene, Development, OPEX and your own Production teams
• Partner with NPD to ensure smooth, well-embedded product introductions
• Drive a culture of operational excellence across all production areas
• Maintain regular contact with customers to build confidence and strong working relationships
• Lead capital planning projects : 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 from the chilled food manufacturing industry who brings both strategic capability and a hands-on, engaging leadership style.

Experience Required

• At least 10 years’ experience in FMCG manufacturing
• Strong exposure to chilled, high-care, short-life production
• Demonstrable background in change management, culture shift and people leading and coaching
• Experience of OpEx / CI / Lean Manufacturing processes
• Full financial awareness: P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting
• Knowledge of HR practice
• Experience in supply chain operations within a fast-moving environment
• Understanding of technical/food safety standards
• Strong project management capability
• Desirable: Customer/commercial retailer relationship experience

Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent
• Desirable: Management qualification

Who we are looking for:

• A collaborative, forward thinking, engaging "people first" –  leadership style
• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels
• A results-driven and operational excellence mindset
• Organised, and numerically literate
• Passion for engaging and developing people, teams and future leaders
• Integrity and the ability to build trust with customers, colleagues and stakeholders
• A desire to develop your own career and progress within am agile, forward thinking, fast growing organisation

Why Join Us?

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

• Competitive Car Allowance
• Company Bonus Scheme recognising performance and contribution
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Holiday Discounts Available via our online retail discount platform
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points – available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing

• 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on-demand exercise programmes, online classes and multiple gym discounts
• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of meal plans and healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools – including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid

Career Growth & Development

• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
• Industry leading company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleat rewards portal

Community & Culture

• 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiatives and fundraising events
• Team socials to connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat
• New baby gift for new parents

Apply Today

We are innovative leaders in the UK chilled food manufacturing industry. We are dedicated to delivering excellence in every aspect of our operations. Our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence sets us apart. If you’re an experienced Operations Leader looking for a high-impact role within a fast-paced, values-driven chilled food manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your CV and take the next step in progressing your operational leadership career with TCFG.

What You Should Know About How We Recruit

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe great teams are built on difference. We create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and are able to be themselves at work. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of our recruitment process, just let us know, we’ll support you — confidentially and with care.

We hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. Our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and designed to give everyone an equal chance. You’ll also find benefits that support people at every life stage, plus active internal networks — including Women @ Compleat, LGBTQIA+, and Neurodiversity