At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational performance initiatives and drive cross-functional collaboration across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Company: Join IPL Schoeller, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in relevant field; 3-5 years in manufacturing or operations performance management.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Who We Are
On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the ‘company’).
The Company’s operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants).
The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions across a range of end market segments including returnable transit packaging, consumer and industrial packaging, environmental containers and agricultural packaging.
The company employs c.4,100 employees across North America (1,600 employees) and Europe (2,500 employees.)
The role
As the Director, Operations Performance, you will report to and work directly with the VP Operations to strengthen execution discipline, performance visibility, and follow-through across the Operations function.
This is a BAU operational performance role, not a transformation programme, project management, or finance role; however, it requires the structure, governance, cadence, and delivery discipline typically associated with a major transformation environment.
Operating as a peer partner to Operational Directors and site leadership teams, the role ensures turnaround initiatives are clearly defined, actively progressed, measured against operational KPIs, and tracked through to financial impact.
The role maintains the operating rhythm across daily, weekly, and monthly performance reviews, ensuring actions have owners, milestones, risks, dependencies, escalation routes, and measurable outcomes.
Working closely with Operations, Finance, Planning, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams, the role ensures improvement actions translate into production performance, cost reduction, margin improvement, working capital benefit, and sustainable cost-out from the business.
It does not replace site, functional, Finance, or Operational Director accountability; rather, it creates the visibility, challenge, and follow-through required to ensure agreed actions are delivered and benefits are realised.
As a Director, Operations Performance at IPL Schoeller you will
- Translate VP Operations priorities into practical execution plans with clear actions, owners, milestones, risks, dependencies, and performance measures across the 16-site remit.
- Drive the daily, weekly, and monthly operating rhythm, ensuring site and regional actions are followed up, blockers are removed, decisions are escalated, and delivery stays on track.
- Strengthen cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Finance, Planning, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams so priorities, assumptions, risks, and decisions are aligned, accurate, and action-oriented.
- Own KPI tracking, operating reviews, variance analysis, corrective actions, and follow-through, ensuring reporting is consistent and operational teams can focus on delivery.
- Partner with Operational Directors, site leadership teams, Finance, and Operations to improve operational efficiency, capacity utilisation, productivity, labour efficiency, inventory, working capital, cost control, and recovery actions.
- Use operational, financial, planning, and site performance information to identify underperformance, quantify gaps, assess options, and support operational experts with a clear fact base for faster delivery decisions.
- Prepare clear, action-oriented updates for the VP Operations, Operational Directors, Finance, and Commercial teams so operational leaders can remain focused on execution.
- Track manufacturing budgets, operational forecasts, savings commitments, margin improvement, cash generation, and working capital actions, ensuring gaps are visible and recovery actions are agreed and delivered.
- Support quality, regulatory, compliance, restructuring, and planning actions by ensuring requirements, assumptions, commitments, ownership, and follow-through are clear and delivered.
- What You Will Bring To The Role
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations, engineering, finance, supply chain, or a related field; MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification an advantage.
- Project Management, PMP, operational excellence, or equivalent qualification an advantage.
- Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in manufacturing operations, business operations, operations performance management, supply chain, operational improvement, or cross-functional delivery roles.
- Hands-on experience in multi-site manufacturing environments, with strong understanding of operational performance drivers, lean manufacturing, productivity, labour efficiency, capacity, cost, inventory, working capital, and continuous improvement.
- Proven track record of delivering actions through complex cross-functional operating rhythms, KPI frameworks, forecasts, business cases, and executive-level performance reporting.
- Strong commercial, financial, analytical, and problem-solving capability, with the ability to connect site-level actions to profitability, cash flow, working capital, budgetary control, and value creation.
- Confident communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to challenge constructively, influence decisions, and partner with senior operational and functional leaders.
- Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, business intelligence, reporting, planning, cash tracking, and action tracking tools; knowledge of manufacturing compliance requirements an advantage.
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Director, Operations Performance in Tamworth employer: IPL Schoeller
IPL Schoeller is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises sustainability and compliance within the manufacturing sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to training sessions and growth opportunities while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a supportive culture. Located in Dublin, Ireland, our headquarters fosters innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in compliance administration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Operations Performance in Tamworth
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like IPL Schoeller, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Operations Performance in Tamworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to IPL Schoeller specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPL Schoeller
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with IPL Schoeller, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like IPL Schoeller value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
