Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and drive performance in a sustainable packaging company.
- Company: Join Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, onsite gym, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence and company culture.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior operations leadership with strong team management skills.
- Other info: Empower your career growth in an inclusive and diverse environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock! Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.
About Us We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.
The Role We are seeking an experienced and driven Operations Director to join our senior leadership team at our Northampton site. This is a pivotal role, with full responsibility for driving operational performance, leading a multi-disciplinary management team, and contributing to the overall strategic direction and profitability of the business. You will provide strong, visible leadership across Production, Engineering, Health & Safety, Quality, Despatch and Continuous Improvement, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance and a culture of continuous improvement.
Main responsibilities of the role:
- Act as a driving force for a safety-first culture across the site
- Lead, coach and develop functional managers to maximise performance and engagement
- Deliver plant performance targets in line with customer requirements for quality, volume and delivery
- Own and manage operational, maintenance and capital investment budgets
- Ensure effective planning of labour, equipment and external service providers
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across quality, productivity and cost
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation
- Play a key role in change management, culture development and business transformation
- Contribute to strategic planning and long-term business growth
Key Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role within a manufacturing or technical environment (minimum of 5yrs experience).
- Strong track record of leading teams and delivering operational improvement
- Financially astute, with experience managing significant budgets
- Experienced in Lean / Continuous Improvement environments
- Confident decision-maker with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A credible leader who can balance operational discipline with people-focused leadership
- Degree qualified (Engineering, Science, Business or similar) or equivalent experience
This is a high-profile leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the future performance and culture of a well-established operation. You’ll be empowered to make a real impact, working closely with the senior leadership team to deliver sustainable results.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
- Bonus Plan
- Choice of Company Car or Car Allowance
- Health Benefit
- Onsite Gym
- Onsite Subsidised Canteen
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
- Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
- Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment. We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.
Operations Director - Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN36XJ employer: Smurfit Westrock UKI
Contact Detail:
Smurfit Westrock UKI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN36XJ
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Operations Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This way, we can tailor our responses to show how we can drive operational performance and contribute to their strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We want to showcase our leadership skills and experience in a way that resonates with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Let’s express our enthusiasm for the role and reiterate how we can make a positive impact at Smurfit Westrock.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN36XJ
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and driving operational improvements, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on sustainability and employee well-being.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission at Smurfit Westrock. We love seeing candidates who share our values and vision for a sustainable future.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As an Operations Director, strong leadership is crucial. In your application, be sure to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed change. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive performance across various functions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smurfit Westrock UKI
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Smurfit Westrock's values and operations. Understand their commitment to sustainability and how it aligns with your experience in operational leadership. This will help you connect your background to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your approach to leading teams and driving performance. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached managers and fostered a safety-first culture in previous roles. This is crucial for a position like Operations Director.
✨Budget Savvy
Since managing significant budgets is key for this role, come prepared with specific examples of how you've effectively managed operational and capital investment budgets in the past. Highlight any financial improvements you've achieved.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
Demonstrate your experience with Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives. Share concrete examples of how you've implemented these strategies to enhance quality, productivity, and cost efficiency in your previous positions.
