Operations Leader

Location: UK, Ashton-Under-Lyne

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Operations Leader to join our team in Ashton. The Operations Leader is responsible for ensuring that Safety, Quality, Service, Cost and People expectations are met whilst continually striving for Operational Excellence. You will collaborate with other functions such as EHS, Quality, R&D, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering and HR. The Operations Leader will report to the Operations Director and will be a member of the UK Industrials Leadership Team.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe work environment and culture for Mativ employees and visitors whilst enforcing policies and procedures.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure that the production department consistently operates in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Setting and delivering of financial and non-financial budget & forecasts.
• Monitor and analyse production costs, identifying areas for improvement and implementing cost reduction initiatives without compromising on safety or quality.
• Provide the necessary leadership and resources to ensure that all products and services supplied by the site are at the highest possible levels, are consistent with company targets, and meeting customer specifications on time in full achieving site service requirements (OTIF).
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and improve manufacturing performance.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation, automation, and efficiency improvements.
• Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement.
• Manage all resources towards achieving the most efficient use, including but not limited to materials, labour, equipment, and energy.
• Lead, coach and develop your team to ensure effective delivery of metrics.
• Regularly report on plant performance to senior leadership, identifying areas of success and areas requiring attention.
• Drive cultural transformation ensuring that all employees understand Mativ Values and they are effectively applied to achieve results.
• Work closely with Human Resources to support training, career development succession planning and employee relations.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated commitment to safety and compliance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and cost optimisation.
• Proficient in using manufacturing software, ERP/MRP systems (SAP), and data analysis tools.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodology is an advantage plus.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Demonstrated manufacturing and leadership experience.
• Demonstrated Lean Manufacturing experience.

Benefits:

• Pension – Company matched up to 7%
• 3 x Salary Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection – payable for up to 2yrs at 50% of salary
• Mativ Extras – Retailer discount site
• Lifeworks EAP
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Option to purchase additional annual leave

Mativ believes in the potential of what we can do, together, to improve life for people everywhere, every day. We help customers solve complex problems and bring bold ideas to life with scientific and engineering know-how, creative and collaborative solutions, and manufacturing excellence, all on a global scale and across broad capabilities. We share your aspirations to make air safer, water cleaner and the earth greener with stronger and safer products and solutions. We’re uniquely positioned to meet your rapidly evolving needs with manufacturing capabilities across four continents.