General Manager / Operations Director

Coppice is a market-leading and international supplier of aluminium food packaging, renowned for innovation, quality and service. As we continue with our ambitious growth plans, we are seeking like-minded individuals to support and enhance our team on an exciting journey.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will be primarily responsible for the management and leadership of the production and manufacturing functions and their associated support functions (Quality, Engineering, Tooling, Facilities, and Planning) at both sites, to ensure the business effectively delivers against the Company KPIs and strategy. You will provide guidance and direction to ensure effective operations and services are maintained, ensuring long term sustainability and growth by providing strong commercial execution of the company's strategic plan from an operational perspective. You will work closely with all other heads of department, ensuring effective communication and working relationships are established and maintained to continue to drive the business forward.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Developing and driving strategic operational plans to support growth
• Improving internal processes and procedures to increase efficiency and reduce costs
• Managing financial performance in line with budgets and forecasts, focusing on cost reductions and operational improvements
• Drive automation and lean processing practices
• Leading and coaching teams, managing performance and development to support employee retention and succession planning
• Fully support and drive the company culture, including H&S and Quality
• Managing resources effectively to maximise output and minimise waste
• Analysing operational data, making recommendations for continuous improvement
• Leading and managing appropriate site projects through to completion, providing regular updates as required
• Participating and encouraging team participation in all company initiatives
• Carrying out or assisting with any additional appropriate duties as deemed necessary in connection with the business and job role

Experience:

• Proven experience in a General Manager / Operations Director role
• Strong understanding of business functions outside of area, including HR, Finance, Commercial, Warehouse and Logistics
• Experience of managing teams within a fast paced and complex environment
• Manufacturing Operational background with at least 5 years at General Manager / Operations Director level
• Experience of strategy development, hands-on operational delivery and budgetary responsibility
• Proven project management through to completion
• Implementation of CI of automation that creates higher consistency and quality, reduction of lead times and improved workflow
• Engineering and production machinery experience
• Change management - experience of innovating to improve performance and implementing and embedding change in line with continuous improvement
• Ability to successfully evaluate operational performance and take an analytical and data driven approach to operational processes to further scale the business
• Ability to be agile and work within a fast-paced environment
• Aptitude in decision making and problem solving
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• Customer focused to ensure an efficient and optimised operations function and embedding a customer-centric team culture
• Positive and motivational outlook
• LEAN / SixSigma - Green Belt
• IOSH or equivalent
• Engineering degree or equivalent
• FMCG background, ideally Food Manufacturing / Food Packaging

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity for professional growth and development
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Employee wellbeing programs

Coppice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. Apply now by sending through your CV, confirming your notice period and availability for interview.