At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic direction and operational performance of manufacturing sites and warehouse.
- Company: Global leader in sustainable packaging with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, gym access, and relocation support.
- Other info: Exceptional career growth opportunities in a vibrant coastal community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing while enjoying life on the stunning North Devon coast.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing, strategic transformation, and team development.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Lead the Future of Manufacturing on the Stunning North Devon Coast
- Smurfit Westrock Atlas
Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in sustainable paper-based packaging, operating across 40 countries with over 100,000 employees.
Its Barnstaple business, Smurfit Westrock Atlas, designs and manufactures innovative corrugated packaging solutions for customers across the e Commerce, food & drink, retail and consumer sectors.
With continued investment in automation, sustainability and operational excellence, this is an exciting opportunity to join a market-leading manufacturer at a pivotal stage of its growth.
Operations Director | Barnstaple, Devon
Reporting to the General Manager, you'll lead the strategic direction and operational performance of two manufacturing sites and a warehouse operation, with overall responsibility for around 140 employees.
Working alongside an experienced leadership team, you'll shape investment plans, drive continuous improvement, optimise capacity and productivity, and develop the long-term operational strategy.
This is a highly influential senior leadership role where you'll balance strategic decision-making with a visible presence on the shop floor, ensuring the business continues to deliver exceptional quality, service and operational performance.
The Candidate
We're looking for an experienced manufacturing leader who can think strategically while remaining highly visible and engaged with the operation. You'll ideally have:
- Proven leadership experience within a large-scale manufacturing or FMCG environment.
- Previous experience as a Plant Manager, Plant Director, Site Director or Operations Director.
- A track record of delivering strategic transformation, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience influencing investment and business decisions.
- The ability to lead, develop and inspire multi-disciplinary leadership teams through growth and change.
- Experience driving performance through data, KPIs and continuous improvement methodologies.
- A hands-on leadership style, comfortable engaging with teams on the shop floor while maintaining a strategic, business-wide perspective.
- A passion for developing people, building high-performing teams and creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and safety.
Why Join Smurfit Westrock?
- Competitive salary - negotiable for the right candidate
- Discretionary bonus of up to 15%
- Employer pension contribution of 6%
- Relocation support available
- Outstanding leadership development and career progression within a global organisation
- Free on-site gym and subsidised canteen
- Cycle to Work scheme
- 24/7 confidential employee and family support programme
Why Relocate to North Devon?
Enjoy an exceptional quality of life in one of the UK's most desirable coastal locations.
Barnstaple offers award-winning beaches, Exmoor National Park, excellent schools, welcoming communities and a lower cost of living than many major cities.
It's a rare opportunity to combine a rewarding executive career with an outstanding lifestyle
Operations Director in Barnstaple employer: Kingston Barnes Ltd
At Kingston Barnes Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in Tewkesbury. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities for apprentices and a competitive benefits package, including 30 days of holiday and standby allowances, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in engineering maintenance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Barnstaple
✨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 Kingston Barnes Ltd, 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 Operations Director in Barnstaple
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 Kingston Barnes Ltd 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 Kingston Barnes Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Kingston Barnes Ltd, 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 Kingston Barnes Ltd 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.
