Operations Manager in Barry

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational activities to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and safety of facilities, equipment, and systems. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards, manages production schedules, and drives continuous improvement initiatives. The role requires strong leadership and people skills. The position reports to the site leader and is part of the site leadership team.

Job Responsibilities

• Manages the Operations areas and personnel to ensure achievement of site results as targeted in the site Roadmap and business plan.
• Manages unit emergencies, participates in preparing and planning shutdowns and supervises the daily manufacturing activities and personnel incidents.
• Implements and oversees effective systems of production control so that products are prepared in good quality, on time, within standard cost and within planned capacity.
• Develops production records and accounting systems to ensure accurate information is reported on production KPI.
• Collaborates to identify and request needed capital for development and maintenance improvements and projects, to improve energy efficiency and reduce cost and waste.
• Prepares operating budget proposal, cooperating in early budget definition, and establish proper control standards to ensure alignment.
• Collaborates and supports visits, local authorities, and the plant site community to ensure a positive image of the unit in the area.
• Participates in the site leadership team, and collaborates to establish the site mission, vision, operating strategy, expectations, policies, and guiding principles consistent with Company directives.
• Identifies opportunities to reduce expenses and takes action to implement cost saving projects and procedures.
• Acts as the designated Manager on Duty, providing operational coverage when necessary.
• Supports the EHS Manager in the development, communication, and reinforcement of Health, Safety and Environment policies and procedures.
• Maintains a high level of housekeeping to ensure a clean working environment and to work always in accordance with the safe working practices.
• Works closely with EHS manager in evaluating and mitigating all possible EHS risks. Supports the implementation of all safety standards and laws.
• Emphasizes safety during daily contacts with personnel through safety leadership.
• Ensures safe use of equipment and preparation for maintenance.
• Coordinates Operations to maintain the plant quality program.
• Helps maintain the ISO certificate with responsible internal / external personnel.
• Promotes structured problem-solving techniques, analytical tools, and teamwork to improve production/quality unit performance.
• Collaborates and supports customer visits and audits.
• Develops and applies coaching processes to maximize effectiveness of individuals and teams in terms of roles and responsibility. Allocates tasks and sets objectives, reinforcing expectations and ensuring timely feedback.
• Provides recommendations concerning workplace relations, training needs and job-related problems.
• Coaches employees on key behavioural skills to support a positive work environment.
• Contributes to building positive working relationships and a collaborative team environment, promoting company values and the code of ethics as guidelines.
• Challenges site leadership team for optimal problem solving and collaboration, where appropriate.
• Ensures that the team is working in full respect of the law and the company rules.
• Ensures that each key function within their area has suitable backup coverage and supports the succession planning process, arranging and approving overtime.
• Assesses operational needs and requests for additional operating personnel where appropriate.
• Has a main responsibility for embedding continuous improvement practices into the site organization, to achieve site targets and go beyond existing standards, through:
• Implementation of lean principles.
• Developing leadership in the organization.
• Supporting the site organization to achieve the strategy and “roadmap” targets, thus overall business targets.
• Transferring skills and responsibilities into the organization.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in operations management, preferably in manufacturing industry.
• Proven ability to lead difficult conversations and resolve issues effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Safety mindset and compliance knowledge.
• Ability to handle difficult conversations.
• Experience working with Trade Unions is desirable.