Operations Manager Felling Powder Coatings in Gateshead

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to colour people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life.

Your Role

As Powder Coatings Operations Manager, you will have end‑to‑end accountability for the Powders value stream at our Felling site. You’ll lead Production, Engineering and Quality, creating a workplace where safety comes first, people are engaged and developed, and performance is delivered in line with customer and business expectations.

This is a highly influential leadership role where you’ll set direction, empower teams and drive operational excellence, whilst contributing directly to AkzoNobel’s sustainability and continuous‑improvement ambitions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead safely, always – role‑model a proactive safety culture and ensure full compliance with HSE standards, policies and legislation.
• Deliver operational performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People, aligned to site and business priorities.
• Translate customer demand into effective production execution, protecting OTIF and service performance.
• Drive efficiency through optimisation of capacity, labour, assets and processes.
• Lead engineering and asset‑care strategy to maximise reliability and OEE.
• Ensure robust quality standards, encouraging a Right First Time mindset.
• Develop and inspire people, building capability, accountability and engagement across the operations team.
• Own and manage operational budgets, balancing delivery performance with cost control.
• Champion Lean thinking, structured problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Support digitalisation and future‑fit operational ways of working.

What You Bring

• Strong manufacturing operations leadership experience.
• Proven capability leading multi‑disciplinary teams (Production, Engineering, Quality).
• Deep understanding of health, safety and compliance in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing operational cost and budget performance.
• Track record of driving continuous improvement and change.
• Experience within powder coatings or chemical manufacturing.
• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• You lead with care, courage and accountability.
• You engage people through clear direction, trust and empowerment.
• You balance short‑term delivery with long‑term sustainable performance.
• You value collaboration, inclusion and shared success.

What We Offer You

At AkzoNobel, you’ll find a workplace where you can grow, perform and belong. We offer competitive salary and annual bonus opportunity, company pension, life assurance and income protection, Employee Assistance Programme, product and staff discounts, flexible benefits including Gymflex, dental cover and retail discounts, and opportunities to learn, develop and progress within a global organisation.

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and make an impact, apply today.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance.