At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform the largest UK manufacturing site, driving innovation and employee engagement.
- Company: Join a global leader in high-performance sealing solutions with a focus on cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of manufacturing.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values health, safety, and community relationships.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a dynamic environment while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing, strategic development, and experience with CI/Lean initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
James Walker is part of the James Walker Group of Companies, a successful global industrial organisation supplying high-performance sealing products and solutions. With state-of-the-art material technology skills, the James Walker Strategic Business Unit (SBU) specialises in the provision of sealing solutions (elastomers, polymers, composites, engineering plastics, high nickel alloys).
Your Role
Responsible for James Walker’s largest UK manufacturing site, you will lead a transformative journey. As the Cockermouth Site Director, you won’t just lead operations—you’ll shape the future of our facility and drive innovation. We are looking for someone who can manage investment and refurbishment without affecting product quality or production. This is your chance to make a significant impact by steering our site, collaborating with cross-functional leaders and driving employee engagement. You will deliver world-class performance across the James Walker & Co site and business, and act as the leader of the James Walker Group Elastomer Centre of Excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Chair cross-functional meetings of all functional leaders on site.
- Lead and drive employee engagement and enablement across all teams on site to improve overall business performance.
- Manage the relationship with the Union; chair Union Meetings, deal with disputes and lead T&Cs and wage negotiations.
- Ensure the site delivers a right first-time, quality product to customers.
- Deliver world-class performance at the Cockermouth site, driving Lean/CI initiatives to raise productivity, quality and customer service levels whilst reducing cost.
- Develop and implement a site manufacturing strategy which is aligned to the James Walker Group and SBU strategic plan.
- Be a key sponsor for the successful site deployment of the new end-to-end IT system (Project Keystone utilising Syteline 10).
- Maintain registration to Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental Management Systems.
- Ensure the highest levels of health and safety are maintained by employees, contractors and visitors at the Cockermouth site.
- Work closely across all functions of the business and ensure the matrix management structure works effectively for the business and supports the delivery of the business goals.
- Work with external stakeholders to develop James Walker relationships and standings within the local community.
About you
- Demonstrate strong and impactful leadership, motivation and drive.
- Experienced in Manufacturing Planning.
- Demonstrated experience as a successful manufacturing Operations/Site Manager.
- Able to contribute to the strategic development of a business and develop and execute strategy.
- Demonstrated delivery of a step change in performance within a manufacturing business.
- Demonstrated delivery of a step change in site HS&E performance.
- Has led CI/Lean/Operational Excellence projects to successful conclusions.
- Understands what World Class Management Operating Systems look like.
- Site size - minimum direct HC of 150.
- Elastomer experience (mixing, extrusion, and vulcanisation processes).
Preferred Experience
- Has led CI/Lean/Operational Excellence deployment across a site.
- Has helped shape, deploy and optimise an ERP solution across a business.
- Experience of successful complex capital project management and delivery.
- Experience of high variety, low volume, bespoke manufacturing for critical applications.
Qualifications
- NEBOSH.
- Recognised Project Management qualification.
Manufacturing Site Director in Cockermouth employer: James Walker Group
At James Walker, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Cockermouth manufacturing site. Our commitment to employee engagement and development is evident through our transformative leadership approach, which empowers individuals to drive innovation and operational excellence. With a focus on health and safety, world-class performance, and strong community relationships, we provide our team with unique opportunities for growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a global industrial organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Site Director in Cockermouth
✨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 James Walker Group, 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 Manufacturing Site Director in Cockermouth
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 James Walker Group 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 James Walker Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with James Walker Group, 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 James Walker Group 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.
