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Head /Director of Operations - FMCG

East London Permanent View Job Description
As Head / Director of Operations, you will play a critical role in scaling our supply chain, manufacturing, quality/technical and operational infrastructure. You'll be hands-on, strategic, and collaborative-working closely with internal teams, contract manufacturers, and suppliers to ensure we deliver against our ambitious goals.
  • Pioneering Breakthrough Environmental Technology for a High-Impact FMCG Product
  • Rapidly Growing Start-Up in Commercialization Phase

About Our Client

My client is a pioneering environmental start-up within Personal Care FMCG. They are now transiting from a purely R&D-led company into full commercialization; soft launching into retail next week and hard launching in Q3. This Head/ Director of Operations will be instrumental in guiding the company through one of the most exciting phases of their journey.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:1. Supply Chain & Procurement



  • Lead RFQs, supplier validation, and first-order procurement


  • Build and consolidate supplier base across UK and Europe


  • Oversee deal sourcing and supplier relationship management


  • Own supplier approval and quality compliance processes



2. Manufacturing & Machinery Oversight



  • Manage end-to-end machine validation (from user requirements to site acceptance)


  • Work with our contract manufacturers to optimize production outputs and timelines


  • Implement ongoing improvements to the production line as products evolve



3. Quality & Compliance



  • Oversee interim Quality Management System (QMS)


  • Ensure purchasing specifications and supplier standards meet quality requirements


  • Manage change controls as product improvements affect production and supply chain



4. Cross-functional Leadership



  • Act as the connector between teams-from R&D to production to suppliers


  • Solve complex challenges by bringing the right stakeholders together


  • Own key operational projects from start to finish


  • Drive continuous improvement across all operational functions

The Successful Applicant

Top Skills & Experience:

  • 7-15+ years in operations, manufacturing, and/or supply chain ideally in FMCG or startup environments
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and managing suppliers
  • Strong ability to navigate ambiguity and drive progress in a fast-paced environment
  • Comfortable running procurement, supplier consolidation, and machinery trials
  • Some exposure to quality systems and regulatory compliance



Soft Skills:

  • Generalist mindset with sharp problem-solving ability
  • Collaborative leader who values transparency and open dialogue
  • Hands-on, energetic, and solution-oriented-you don't just flag problems; you fix them
  • Comfortable wearing many hats and stepping into the unknown
  • Strong ownership mentality with the ability to manage multiple priorities

What's on Offer





  • Be part of a mission-led company disrupting the feminine hygiene industry


  • Join at a pivotal inflection point as we move into large-scale commercialization


  • Help build something truly world-first, with environmental impact at its core


  • Equity participation in a company poised for global expansion



Contact
Sally Ristine-Barratt
Quote job ref
JN-052025-6753340
Phone number
+44 207 269 2108

Job summary

Job function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Subsector
Operations Management
Sector
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
Location
East London
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Sally Ristine-Barratt
Consultant phone
+44 207 269 2108
Job reference
JN-052025-6753340