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- Tasks: Lead operations across multiple sites, ensuring safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operational leadership within manufacturing or industrial settings.
- Other info: We value diversity and offer a supportive, inclusive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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: Reporting to the General Manager and part of the sites senior leadership team, the Operations Director will have overall responsibility for operational performance across both our Barnstaple (Devon) sites, encompassing Production, Planning, Engineering, and Distribution. You will ensure the factories operate in a safe, efficient, and high-performing manner, with a strong focus on health & safety, quality, reliability, continuous improvement, environmental compliance, and cost control. This role is central to shaping and delivering business strategy, making strategic investment decisions, and aligning site activity with long-term operational goals and customer innovation. Nothing we do is more important than safety, and you will champion a proactive safety-first culture every day. As a visible leader and role model, you will create a culture of accountability, engagement, and collaboration, ensuring teams are aligned to clearly defined objectives and targets.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven senior operational leadership experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Strong track record in multi-site operations, continuous improvement, and performance delivery
- Commercially astute with experience managing budgets and capital investment
- A people-focused leader with excellent communication and engagement skills
- Flexible and willing to travel.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
- 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 - South West, Devon, EX31 3TT employer: Smurfit Westrock UKI
Contact Detail:
Smurfit Westrock UKI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - South West, Devon, EX31 3TT
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for an Operations Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Smurfit Westrock’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with our commitment to sustainability and employee well-being.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style fosters accountability and collaboration. We want to hear how you’ve driven performance in multi-site operations and how you can bring that expertise to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Smurfit Westrock.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - South West, Devon, EX31 3TT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing and any achievements in continuous improvement to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sustainability and how your values align with ours at Smurfit Westrock. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your People Skills: As a people-focused leader, we want to see how you engage and motivate teams. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and accountability in your previous roles to demonstrate your fit for our culture.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smurfit Westrock UKI
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the operations of Smurfit Westrock. Familiarise yourself with their production processes, safety protocols, and continuous improvement initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their operational goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Director, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to create a culture of accountability and engagement. Think about times when you've successfully led teams through change or improved performance, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the strong focus on health and safety at Smurfit Westrock, be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering a safety-first culture. Share specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles to enhance safety and compliance, and how these can be adapted to their operations.
✨Align with Their Values
Smurfit Westrock values sustainability and employee well-being. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission. This could include ideas for sustainable practices or initiatives that promote employee development and well-being.
