Head of Operations

Are you an elite infant formula manufacturing leader ready to take operational ownership of a world-class production hub? Following a massive multi-million dollar site upgrade and rapidly increased team our client has a plant which is a core IMF factory for the business. To support this rapid scaling and ensure operational excellence, we are introducing a newly created Head of Operations role. Reporting directly to the Site General Manager, you will hold complete day-to-day responsibility for all factory operations running 24/7. This is a premier leadership mandate to drive manufacturing performance, embed continuous improvement, and shape a highly invested, bottleneck-free supply chain. The Role & Key Responsibilities As the Head of Operations, you will oversee the safe, compliant, and efficient running of the entire production ecosystem. You will lead 5–6 direct functional reports (covering Spray Dry, Canning, Maintenance/Utilities, Projects, Safety, and Engineering) with an indirect headcount of ~200 personnel. 24/7 Operational Execution: Drive the daily running of the site, ensuring high-capacity spray drying (critical focus) , wet processing, blending, and high-speed canning run smoothly and efficiently. Large-Scale Team Leadership: Directly manage and mentor a diverse team of ~200 people, spanning local blue-collar, technical professionals, and multi-national professionals. Manufacturing Excellence: Standardise and elevate site performance by embedding Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement (CI) methodologies, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to optimise OEE and reduce waste. Asset & Utilities Management: Partner with engineering and maintenance teams to ensure high asset reliability across critical utilities (boilers, refrigeration, water treatment) and help shape the site's mid-to-long-term CAPEX strategy. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work as a core peer alongside leaders across HR, Finance, Supply Chain, NPD, Quality/Compliance, and Regulatory to align on overarching site objectives. Who You Are This role requires a high-intensity, visible leader with deep technical credibility in dairy processing and exceptional cultural agility. IMF Industry Expert: You possess a mandatory and robust background in Infant Milk Formula (IMF) manufacturing, with proven, deep expertise in spray drying technology . (Canning experience is required but secondary to technical spray-dry competence). Proven People Catalyst: You have a track record of leading large manufacturing workforces (150+ headcount) and possess the communication skills required to unite multi-cultural, multi-shift teams as well as work with cross functional and HQ teams. What’s on Offer Flagship Command: Take the reins of a strategically vital, state-of-the-art plant backed by immense recent capital investment. True Autonomy: As a newly created position, you will have the mandate to build capability, shape factory culture, and establish operational excellence from the ground up. Premium Executive Package: A highly competitive base salary + bonus + benefits + relocation for international candidates #J-18808-Ljbffr