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- Tasks: Lead operations across multiple sites, ensuring safety, efficiency, and high performance.
- Company: Join Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, 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 and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
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.
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.
Reporting to the General Manager and part of the site’s 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 employer: Smurfit Westrock
Contact Detail:
Smurfit Westrock Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values around sustainability and employee well-being, so you can show how you align with their mission during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in operational leadership and how it relates to the role of Operations Director. Highlight your achievements in multi-site operations and continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Smurfit Westrock.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with 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 Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational leadership and commercial acumen. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smurfit Westrock
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Smurfit Westrock's operations. Understand their production processes, safety protocols, and sustainability initiatives. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Operations Director, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can bring this approach to Smurfit Westrock and enhance team engagement.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Brush up on your financial skills! Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and made strategic investment decisions in the past. Highlight any successful cost control measures you've implemented, as this aligns perfectly with what they're looking for.
✨Emphasise Safety and Continuous Improvement
Safety is paramount at Smurfit Westrock. Be ready to talk about how you've championed safety-first cultures in your previous roles. Additionally, share specific examples of continuous improvement initiatives you've led, showcasing your commitment to operational excellence.
