Our client, a rapidly growing and internationally recognised organisation operating within the food manufacturing and organic ingredients sector, is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Operations to lead its manufacturing and operational activities across a multi-functional production facility in the Netherlands.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior operations professional to take ownership of production, planning, warehousing, quality, and supply chain activities, driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and sustainable growth within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Job Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Operations will be responsible for leading the end-to-end operational function, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety, and customer service.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping operational strategy, developing high-performing teams, improving manufacturing performance, and delivering business objectives through effective leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Lead all manufacturing and operational activities, including Production, Planning, Warehousing, Maintenance, Quality, and Dispatch.
- Deliver production targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and cost efficiency.
- Optimise plant utilisation, productivity, and operational performance across all functions.
- Monitor and drive performance against key operational KPIs, implementing corrective actions where required.
- Develop and oversee production plans to ensure customer demand is met while minimising downtime and operational losses.
- Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, maintaining all relevant certifications and customer standards.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and operational excellence programmes.
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve productivity, and optimise operating costs.
- Work closely with Procurement, Planning, and Commercial teams to ensure continuity of supply and effective inventory management.
- Oversee warehouse performance and inventory accuracy to support efficient operations.
- Lead, coach, and develop operational leaders and management teams, fostering a high-performance and accountability-driven culture.
- Promote a strong health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with all legislative and company standards.
- Manage operational budgets, monitor manufacturing costs, and deliver performance in line with business targets.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders across Finance, Commercial, HR, Procurement, Quality, and Engineering functions.
- Present operational performance updates to senior leadership and lead customer audits and regulatory inspections.
Personal Profile
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
- MBA or postgraduate qualification would be advantageous.
- Significant experience within manufacturing operations, including several years in a senior leadership role.
- Previous experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, or process manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
- Proven track record of leading large operational teams and delivering measurable performance improvements.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, supply chain management, and cost control.
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and driving profitability.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- Experience working within international or multicultural environments would be advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of ERP systems and KPI-driven performance management.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary of €5,500 - €6,000 per month
- Travelling allowance
- 8% holiday allowance
- Opportunities for personal development and career progression
- Supportive and collaborative international working environment
- The opportunity to play a key role in the growth and strategic development of a rapidly expanding organisation
Ref Code: W013299
To apply, please send your comprehensive CV in strict confidence, quoting the reference above and for the attention of Jon Hemming-Nash. Please include current salary details within your application.
Due to high response levels, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within one week, regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion.
