Our client, a well-established organisation operating within the food manufacturing sector, is seeking an experienced Head of Operations to oversee and drive the performance of its central production facility.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the effective management of all operational departments, including Production, Maintenance, Stores, Dispatch and Logistics. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving operational efficiency, optimising resources, maintaining high standards of food safety and quality, and ensuring production targets are consistently achieved.
We are looking for a hands-on, commercially minded leader with a strong background in high-volume manufacturing, excellent people-management skills and a proven track record of driving continuous improvement.
What You'll Be Doing
- Oversee all factory operations, ensuring departmental heads meet their KPIs and operational targets.
- Manage production planning, scheduling, workforce allocation and resource availability.
- Monitor budgets, labour and material costs, productivity, yield and waste.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean manufacturing and 5S.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, quality, hygiene and health and safety standards.
- Oversee equipment maintenance, inventory management, stock rotation and waste disposal.
- Ensure timely dispatch, efficient logistics and continuity of supply.
- Lead, develop and motivate teams, promoting accountability, teamwork and a strong food safety culture.
- Monitor operational performance and report regularly to senior management.
To be considered for this role, candidates should demonstrate:
- At least 7 years of senior operations-management experience in food manufacturing or a comparable high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience managing production and multidisciplinary operational teams.
- Strong knowledge of production planning, cost control, KPIs and performance management.
- Hands-on experience with Lean manufacturing, 5S and continuous improvement.
- Practical knowledge of HACCP, food safety, allergen control, traceability and health and safety.
- Experience using ERP or production-management systems.
- Strong commercial awareness, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English.
- Flexibility to meet operational requirements.
The following would be considered an advantage:
- A degree or MQF Level 6 qualification in Operations Management, Food Science or Technology, Engineering, Business Management or a related discipline.
- Lean, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement certification.
- Experience managing a central production facility covering multiple food categories, such as cook-chill, bakery, pastry, ready meals, packaging and distribution.
- Experience introducing automation, new production lines or factory management systems.
- Working knowledge of Maltese.
