Site Director

Site Director – Food manufacturing A rare opportunity to lead the transformation, growth and future direction of a strategically important food manufacturing operation. There are very few Site Director opportunities that genuinely offer the chance to shape the future of a business both at operational & Board level; this is one of them. We are seeking an exceptional manufacturing leader to take responsibility for a profitable, growing food manufacturing operation employing approximately 200 colleagues and supplying major customers. The business has ambitious growth plans, significant capital investment committed, a clear long-term strategy and an opportunity to substantially enhance capability, performance and operational excellence over the coming years. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and operating as a key member of the senior leadership team (Board), this role combines strategic leadership, operational excellence, organisational development & large-scale transformation. The Business The site is a well-established food manufacturing operation with a strong reputation, loyal workforce & long-standing customer relationships. The business has performed strongly and continues to enjoy significant growth opportunities within the QSR & foodservice sectors. Over the next five years the site is expected to play a pivotal role in delivering the organisation's growth ambitions and will benefit from a substantial multi-million-pound investment programme focused on facilities, equipment, infrastructure & operational capability. The Challenge The successful candidate will inherit a site with significant strengths but also clear opportunities for improvement. Whilst commercial performance remains strong, the business recognises the need to further strengthen: • Leadership capability. • Accountability and ownership. • Pace of decision making. • Operational discipline. • Continuous improvement culture. • Engineering effectiveness. • Cross-functional collaboration. • Adoption of digital operational excellence tools. • Future succession capability. The site requires a leader who can simultaneously deliver today's operational requirements whilst building the capability required for tomorrow's growth. This is a role for someone who enjoys creating clarity, structure and momentum within complex manufacturing environments. The Opportunity Lead a Significant Growth Agenda • Support substantial revenue growth. • Expand operational capability. • Increase organisational capacity. • Ensure the site is equipped to support future customer demand. Deliver Major Investment Programmes • Play a key leadership role in a significant capital investment programme. • Support refurbishment and modernisation projects. • Work closely with engineering, projects and supply chain teams. • Ensure operational continuity throughout periods of change. Build a High-Performing Leadership Team • Develop capability across the site leadership team. • Strengthen accountability and ownership. • Create succession plans for key roles. • Raise expectations and standards throughout the operation. Drive Operational Excellence • Improve performance management disciplines. • Increase effectiveness of operational review processes. • Enhance utilisation of digital factory systems and tools. • Embed continuous improvement methodologies. • Improve productivity, engagement and operational performance. Shape Culture • Create greater pace and energy. • Foster collaboration across functions. • Build confidence and capability. • Develop a culture where individuals take ownership and make decisions. • Lead through influence, visibility and credibility. What Success Will Look Like • Established yourself as a trusted and respected leader. • Created a clear vision for the site. • Improved leadership capability. • Increased accountability at all levels. • Enhanced operational discipline and standards. • Driven meaningful progress against operational excellence objectives. • Supported key investment projects. • Positioned the site for sustainable future growth. About You You are an accomplished manufacturing leader with a proven track record of delivering results through people. You understand that transformation is not achieved through process alone, it is achieved through leadership. You are likely to bring: • Degree educated or equivalent • Significant food manufacturing experience. • Site Director, Site General Manager, Operations Director or equivalent leadership experience. • Experience leading complex manufacturing operations. • Strong engineering and operational understanding. • Experience delivering change and transformation. • A track record of improving standards and performance. • Experience developing leadership teams. • Strong stakeholder management skills. • Experience operating within matrix structures. • Customer-facing credibility. • Commercial awareness and business acumen. Most importantly, you possess the leadership presence, resilience and emotional intelligence required to lead a business through significant growth and change. Particularly Relevant Experience Could Include • Food manufacturing. • Chilled, ambient or ingredients manufacturing. • Operational Excellence programmes. • Lean manufacturing environments. • Continuous Improvement leadership. • Redzone or equivalent connected workforce platforms. • Major capital investment programmes. • Culture change initiatives. Leadership Style Required • Set high standards. • Hold people accountable. • Develop capability. • Build trust. • Influence stakeholders. • Challenge constructively. • Lead visible change. • Bring people with them on the journey. Why Consider This Opportunity? • Significant strategic influence. • Direct exposure to senior leadership and board-level decision making. • The opportunity to lead a major transformation agenda. • Responsibility for a strategically important manufacturing operation. • Substantial investment backing. • Long-term career potential. • The opportunity to create a lasting legacy. Confidential enquiries are welcomed and will be handled with complete discretion.