Operational Excellence & Cost Improvement Manager in Gateshead

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

We are looking for an experienced and results-oriented Operational Excellence & Cost Improvement Manager to drive continuous improvement initiatives, oversee facilities management, lead capital investment projects, and advance sustainability programs across our manufacturing site. This high-impact role plays a critical part in enhancing operational performance, delivering cost savings, improving productivity, and fostering a positive employee experience. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally to identify opportunities, implement strategic improvements, and support the site's long‑term business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and deploy site-wide Lean and Continuous Improvement strategies.
• Lead Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and root cause problem-solving activities.
• Drive improvements in quality, cost, delivery, safety, and sustainability.
• Establish and track KPIs to measure performance and improvement outcomes.
• Coach and train teams to embed a culture of Lean thinking and continuous improvement.

Facilities & Site Management

• Oversee site facilities including maintenance, cleaning, security, utilities, catering, and workwear services.
• Manage contractors and service providers to ensure safe, effective, and cost‑efficient delivery.
• Lead facility upgrades, refurbishments, and site improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with relevant health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Capital Projects

• Lead CAPEX and operational improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Manage project scope, timelines, budgets, risks, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure projects deliver expected operational and financial benefits.

Sustainability & Waste Management

• Act as the site's Waste Management Champion.
• Deliver waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability initiatives.
• Monitor environmental metrics and identify opportunities for cost and waste reduction.
• Support compliance with environmental standards, including ISO 14001.

Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop facilities and continuous improvement resources.
• Build strong relationships across all departments.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

What we're looking for

• Significant experience within a manufacturing environment and/or facilities management.
• Proven track record of leading operational improvement and change initiatives.
• Experience delivering capital and business improvement projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and financial management skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience within waste management, sustainability, or environmental improvement programs.
• Knowledge of ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, BRC Packaging, FSC and PEFC standards.