Lead Our Mission to Transform UK Foodservice
Following a period of rapid growth and significant investment, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations Director to lead our multi-temperature operation. This pivotal board-level role offers the opportunity to shape and execute operational strategy, in a business known for our commitment to quality, consistency, and customer service. If you’re a hands-on leader able to work at pace, passionate about people, operational excellence and innovation we encourage you to apply.
About Savona
Founded over 50 years ago, Savona is an established, independently owned foodservice wholesaler dedicated to providing exceptional quality products and service. With a modern depot network (Devon, Oxford & London) serving the hospitality, education, care, and workplace sectors across the South of England, we deliver “foodservice that just works.” We pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach, a committed workforce with genuine longevity, and a pioneering spirit in areas like digital innovation and sustainability. We have made significant strides in reducing emissions and electrifying parts of our fleet, with ambitions for carbon neutrality.
The Opportunity
As Operations Director, you will be instrumental in leading and developing all operational functions. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this hands-on role demands firsthand involvement across our high-performing teams. You will own operational strategy and delivery, encompassing warehousing, distribution, stock control, customer service, compliance and sustainability. Working closely with the Managing Director and Commercial Director, your objective is to enable growth and deliver outstanding service.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute an operations strategy aligned with commercial goals and the Savona service proposition, ensuring scalable infrastructure, processes, and technology for future expansion.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day operations across depots, fleet, transport, and warehousing, making best use of technology and systems to ensure that we maintain impeccable stock integrity, picking accuracy, and waste reduction. You will champion food safety and uphold our BRC AA accredited standards across all sites.
- People & Performance: Build and develop high-performing teams through investment in learning, fostering low churn, and driving productivity gains. Lead continuous improvement initiatives via automation, process redesign, and labour planning.
- Customer & Compliance Focus: Drive superior service KPIs, resolve issues through root-cause analysis, and collaborate with the Commercial Director on promotions and customer mobilisations, whilst embedding sustainability and regulatory excellence across all operations.
- Financial Accountability: Manage operational budgets to boost network profitability, owning key scorecard metrics.
What Success Looks Like:
Consistently high customer service scores and KPI performance.
Reduced waste, improved stock accuracy, and lower operating costs.
Strong, accountable depot leadership teams and reduced staff churn/absence.
Getting the best out of our team and making sure they are on the journey with you.
Demonstrable progress on sustainability initiatives and regulatory audit grades.
The Ideal Leader
We are looking for a proven leader with a strong commercial and financial acumen, capable of driving change and developing high-performing teams.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Minimum 3 years of experience managing multi-site, multi-temperature operations in a high-volume environment.
- Proven experience in direct operational management of transport, warehouse, or stock functions at a similar scale.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen; experience owning P&L or network profitability.
- Full, clean driving licence.
- IT literate: MS Office, ERP/WMS, and familiarity with BI tools; awareness of practical AI use-cases in operations is beneficial.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for continuous improvement.
Preferred Experience
- Foodservice/wholesale/distribution experience in the UK.
- Degree or equivalent experience; commercial or leadership qualifications are desirable.
Our Values and Your Contribution
Savona operates on a set of core behaviours that we expect our leaders to embody:
- Invest in People: Create a culture of learning and continuous improvement, acting as a visible role model who identifies and develops future talent.
- Innovation: Be a catalyst for change, thinking creatively about industry challenges and developing strategies that transform Savona’s future, leveraging technologies like AI.
- Service First: Build and demonstrate a customer-focused culture, removing barriers and proactively using feedback to drive innovation and superior service delivery.
- Accountable: Communicate vision clearly, lead from the front, make difficult decisions decisively, and foster a culture of ownership and responsibility across operations.
- Get Involved: Build strong relationships with stakeholders, apply emotional intelligence effectively, and represent Savona with gravitas in the wider business community.
- Safeguard the Future: Integrate sustainability into business goals, understanding that doing the right thing matters – leading by example in ethical practices and environmental stewardship.
Why Join Savona?
- Be part of a truly independent business with the freedom to innovate and care about our customers.
- Lead transformational operational change with cutting-edge technology.
- Work with a team that has genuine longevity and passion for what they do.
- Influence business strategy at board level and shape the future of UK foodservice.
- Make a real difference to our customers.
Location: South of England (mobile role with frequent travel across our multi-site operation)
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Reports to: Managing Director
Direct Reports: Site General Managers, Head of Compliance & Sustainability and Customer Service Manager
Package: Commensurate with the role, including company car/allowance, private medical insurance and bonus scheme
Ready to lead the operations team that delivers FOODSERVICE THAT JUST WORKS?
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter below.
Savona Foodservice is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
