Operations Director

Mackays is one of Scotland’s most recognisable food brands and a leading producer of premium jams, marmalades, curds and chutneys, supplying retail, foodservice and international markets from its manufacturing facility in Arbroath. Founded in 1938, the business combines authentic small-batch production heritage with a growing international footprint and ambitious plans for further growth.

Following recent investment and a renewed strategic growth agenda, and the retirement of the incumbent Factory Manager, Mackays is seeking to appoint an Operations Director to lead and modernise the operational platform of the business. Reporting to the Managing Director, this is a broad executive leadership role with responsibility across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, planning, procurement and technical operations.

The successful candidate will lead the next phase of operational evolution, improving efficiency, automation, systems, quality and operational resilience whilst maintaining the authenticity and quality synonymous with the Mackays and Mrs Bridges brands. The business has significant existing manufacturing capacity and is targeting substantial growth over the coming years.

Candidates are likely to bring:

• Significant senior manufacturing or FMCG operations leadership experience
• Strong factory, engineering and supply chain leadership capability
• A track record of operational improvement, automation and continuous improvement delivery
• Experience balancing quality, brand integrity and operational performance
• A pragmatic, hands-on and commercially minded leadership style

Experience supplying UK grocery retail and foodservice channels would be advantageous however we are looking to engage with a wide range of experienced Operations candidates bringing fresh thinking and lean manufacturing knowledge from a variety of sectors.

This represents a rare opportunity to join a well-loved Scottish heritage brand at a pivotal stage in its evolution and play a central role in shaping the operational capability required for the next phase of growth.