Head of Operation

Competitive Salary

Summary

Lead operations at a key production site, driving performance, transformation and excellence across a high-profile, multi-protein facility.

Additional Benefits

Car Allowance, Company Bonus Scheme, Company Pension Scheme, Enhanced Sick Pay, Private Medical Insurance, Relocation Assistance

The Role

The Head of Operations will lead one of our largest and most complex UK manufacturing sites, producing a wide range of high-risk cooked and chilled products, including sliced meats, for key retail customers.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll be responsible for shaping the site’s operational strategy, embedding best practice, and building the culture, structure and capability needed to deliver against ambitious performance, safety, and quality standards.

As a key member of the site leadership team, you’ll play a critical role in stabilising and optimising day-to-day performance while leading the next phase of transformation, turning the site into Sofina’s flagship operation for excellence.

As expected with a hands-on operational role, this position will require 5 days a week onsite, with regular travel to Malton for SLT meetings.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead all site operations, ensuring the efficient, safe and high-quality production of chilled and cooked (RTE) food products.
• Deliver key KPIs across yield, labour efficiency, waste reduction, and service performance.
• Build, coach and develop a high-performing leadership team, fostering a culture of accountability and empowerment.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health & safety, legal and retailer standards.
• Drive operational improvement through systems, process optimisation and people engagement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Technical, HR, Commercial and Supply Chain to deliver business goals and customer satisfaction.
• Represent the site with customers and internal stakeholders, demonstrating confidence, credibility and operational excellence.

The Ideal Candidate

You’ll be an inspiring and experienced site leader, passionate about manufacturing excellence and team development.

• Proven track record in leading large-scale chilled food or protein manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of high-risk (cooked) production environments and multi-protein processing (pork or similar protein experience preferred)
• Experienced in turnaround, transformation or performance improvement programmes.
• Hands-on, visible leader who thrives on developing people and driving results.
• Excellent communicator and influencer, capable of building strong relationships across all levels.

Why Sofina Foods?

Join one of the UK’s most exciting food businesses at a time of investment and growth. We’re building something special at Sofina – a business that puts people first, operates with purpose, and delivers for customers.

• Work with major UK retailers
• Lead a flagship site in a high-profile role
• Be part of a business where your impact is seen and valued
• Enjoy strong development opportunities and a competitive rewards package

Company Information

Sofina Foods isn’t just a food company – It’s a place to build your future.
With a team of over 13,000 people across 40 sites in Canada and Europe, we’re passionate about delivering quality meats and seafood products to consumers around the world.

Join a company where innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction drive everything we do. At Sofina, you’ll grow your skills, make a real impact, and work with responsibly sourced products from more than 50 protein sources across five continents.

Our vision is bold: to be the most successful food company in the world. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in the food industry, there’s a place for you at Sofina Foods.

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.