Mark Porteous

Hands-on and commercially focused operational leader with 20+ years’ experience in FMCG and food manufacturing. Proven ability to scale businesses from start-up to multi-million-pound turnover while building efficient production, supply chain, and compliance frameworks. Combines strategic thinking with day-to-day operational leadership, developing teams and driving process improvement. Experienced across P&L control, food safety accreditation, product innovation, and international market growth. Seeking a senior operations role where practical leadership and commercial insight can support continued performance and expansion.

Founder & Managing Director – Beanies The Flavour Co. Ltd (2013–Present)

Scaled a start-up FMCG business into a recognised flavour coffee brand supplying UK retail and 35+ export markets. Oversaw full operational, commercial, and financial responsibility for all divisions including production, supply chain, marketing, quality and compliance.

Key Achievements: 

• Grew company turnover by more than 600% across 12 years.
• Expanded workforce from 3 to 52 employees.
• Introduced HACCP systems and led accreditation to FSSC22000.
• Launched and grew a direct-to-consumer channel generating £1m+ annual online sales.
• Negotiated commercial supply agreements with UK retailers and distributors; expanded into 35+ markets.

Typical Responsibilities

• Directed daily manufacturing operations and production scheduling.
• Managed supplier relationships, procurement and inventory.
• Oversaw audits, quality systems and safety compliance.
• Full P&L responsibility incl. budgets, forecasting, and capex planning.
• Led innovation and product launches.
• Recruited, coached and developed production and management teams.
• Established operational KPIs and reporting systems.

Founder & Managing Director – Square Orange Foods Ltd (2008–2013)

Established a niche food manufacturing business supplying flavoured sauces and condiments. Oversaw full operational, financial, and commercial management, scaling the business while implementing robust production and compliance systems.

Key Achievements:

• Grew business to £750k annual turnover within five years.
• Installed a semi-automatic jarring line, improving scalability, throughput, and labour efficiency.
• Secured SALSA accreditation, implementing comprehensive food safety, handling, and quality systems.
• Held full responsibility for financial, operational, and commercial decisions, including production planning, sales development, and supplier management.

Typical Responsibilities: 

• Directed daily manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets and quality standards were consistently met.
• Managed inventory and supply chain, including sourcing raw materials, maintaining stock levels, and negotiating with suppliers.
• Oversaw health & safety and food safety compliance, ensuring adherence to SALSA standards and regulatory requirements.
• Prepared and monitored budgets, P&L, and financial forecasts to ensure sustainable business growth.
• Developed sales strategies and customer relationships, including B2B accounts and local distribution channels.
• Recruited, trained, and managed a production and administrative team, fostering accountability and performance.
• Implemented process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise production scheduling.
• Maintained administrative oversight, including regulatory documentation, reporting, and quality assurance records.

Accountant – Boaters Coffee Co. Ltd (2006–2008)

Group Accountant – Rathbones Bakeries Ltd (2000–2006)

Financial Analyst – Royal Mail (1994–2000)

A Levels – Maths, Business Studies, Economics

9 GCSEs grade C and above