Chief Operating Officer (Food Manufacturing Operations)

About Our Client

Our Client is a well-established business operating within the food manufacturing, retail, and distribution sectors. With a reputation for delivering quality products and maintaining high operational standards, the Company continues to strengthen its position in both domestic and international markets through ongoing investment, innovation, and sustainable growth initiatives.

Role Overview

Heroix is supporting a leading organisation within the food manufacturing sector in the search for a Chief Operating Officer to oversee and enhance its manufacturing operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across production, supply chain functions, engineering, quality management, logistics, and workforce development. This position offers the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping operational performance, supporting business growth, and driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout the manufacturing division.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Strategy: Develop and implement long-term operational plans that support business objectives, future expansion, product development, and increased manufacturing capability.
• Manufacturing Leadership: Direct daily manufacturing activities across multiple product lines, ensuring production goals are achieved efficiently while maintaining consistently high standards.
• Quality and Regulatory Oversight: Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with applicable food safety legislation, quality standards, certification requirements, and industry best practices.
• Engineering and Infrastructure Management: Oversee plant maintenance, equipment reliability, facility performance, and capital investment projects designed to improve operational effectiveness.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives focused on process optimisation, productivity enhancement, waste minimisation, cost control, and operational standardisation across manufacturing operations.
• People Development: Build, mentor, and support high-performing leadership teams while promoting employee engagement, succession planning, workplace safety, and professional development.
• Financial Performance: Manage operational expenditure, monitor manufacturing costs, contribute to profitability objectives, and support investment decisions through detailed business analysis and planning.
• Performance Monitoring: Establish meaningful operational metrics and reporting structures to evaluate efficiency, service delivery, production output, inventory performance, and overall operational effectiveness.

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Technology, Manufacturing Management, or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification such as an MBA would be considered advantageous.
• Experience: A minimum of eight years' senior management experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, or comparable production environments, with responsibility for large-scale operations.
• Language Skills: Excellent command of English is required to succeed in this role. The ability to communicate in Maltese would be an asset.
• Communication Skills: Strong ability to communicate effectively with executive stakeholders, management teams, suppliers, regulatory authorities, and operational personnel.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to influence, motivate, and develop teams while fostering collaboration across multiple departments.
• Technical Skills: Solid understanding of manufacturing systems, operational performance management, enterprise resource planning systems, process improvement methodologies, and production planning.
• Organisation: Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities, large-scale projects, and operational demands within a fast-paced environment.
• Self-Motivated: Results-driven professional with a proactive approach to leadership, business improvement, and organisational development.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to identify opportunities, resolve operational challenges, and implement effective solutions.
• Leadership Capability: Demonstrated success in leading organisational change, driving operational excellence, and developing future leaders within a manufacturing setting.
• Commercial Awareness: Strong financial understanding with the ability to balance operational performance, customer expectations, and profitability objectives.

What's on Offer

• Compensation: A competitive base salary with performance-based incentives.
• Working Hours: Full-time role, with flexibility depending on operational requirements.
• Other Benefits: Executive package including performance bonuses, health insurance, car or fuel allowance, mobile allowance, wellbeing initiatives, and leadership development support.
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a dynamic and expanding company.

What Heroix Offers

• Confidentiality and Discretion: Your job search will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
• CV Review: Receive candid & constructive feedback to enhance your CV.
• Interview Planning: Get personalised prep sessions prior to your interviews.
• Cultural Fit Assessment: Understand the company culture to ensure it's the right environment for you.
• Long Term: Gain insights into the role and company for a long-term, stable career move.
• Exclusive Opportunities: Access a broader range of job opportunities.
• Personalised Candidate Profile: Stand out with a detailed profile highlighting your strengths and skills.
• Ongoing Support and Guidance: Benefit from continuous support throughout your job search process.
• Networking Opportunities: Leverage our extensive network of industry contacts for exclusive positions.
• Time Efficiency: Save time and effort with our efficient and effective recruitment strategies.
• Tailored Job Matching: Find the perfect fit with customised job matching based on your skills and career goals.
• Feedback Loop: Stay informed and engaged with regular updates and feedback on your application status.

Heroix - Rise to New Heights

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Licensed and regulated by the Government of Malta under DIER Agency Licence No. 00412-2025