Operations Manager

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.
With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.
If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.
A World of Difference. Made Possible.

Job Purpose
The main function of the role will be to work with the manufacturing teams to enable the operational organisation to be more active in achieving the goals and objectives in terms of productivity, quality, health, safety and environment, cost and process consistency.

The role will hold responsibility for the site operations and be responsible for both internal and external projects, driving lean and process improvement initiatives and acting as the main point of contact for day to day issues.

To optimise production output for production through effective organisation, strong leadership, co-ordination and resource management. Striving for continual improvements in machine productivity and efficiency, waste reduction, product quality and customer service levels. Reporting directly to and work closely with the Plant Manager and be a key member of the Senior Management team, working at a strategic level to lead & drive continued significant change and growth at the Gateshead site and achievement of EBITDA.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
• The development & use of individual, departmental & business Key Performance Indicators and the control of resources, you will lead the Operations Team to ensure the safe & accurate delivery of highest quality printed, cut, folded, window patched & glued food cartons to reach the customer on time, in full and in accordance with the production plan and their requirements, with full compliance to various strict quality, hygiene & housekeeping standards at all times.
• Liaise with all internal departments and external contacts as appropriate to ensure the smooth operation of the plant and support the future direction of the business
• Plan, select, appraise & train personnel. You will regularly communicate with
operational staff at all levels
• Provide weekly & monthly reports on operational activities and generate a monthly management report to support the site’s operational performance.
• Flexible in your approach, willing and able to respond to any operational problems or concerns which may arise during 24/6 production and will deal immediately with any issues which may adversely affect production or quality.
• You will plan, implement & lead a team in the executing of regular planned & preventative maintenance schedules.
• You will also perform any other duties as required by the Plant Manager from time to time and will be expected to quickly establish strong working relationships with all departments
• To ensure department managers are capable of meeting evolving business needs
• To develop the process capability in line with changing technology
• To develop managers both individually and as teams to ensure effective day to day management of people
• To improve customer quality and service levels to reduce customer complaints
• Set operational objectives and monitor performance
• Manage within departmental budgets set and identify opportunities for cost reductions in areas such as overtime, consumables, maintenance and waste
• Optimise equipment and resource usage for effective and efficient output
• Be proactive in developing solutions to operational issues
• Ensure compliance with all existing systems, standards and procedures within all areas to satisfy both company and customer requirements- ISO, Health & Safety
• Identify opportunities for improving systems of work, and successfully implement
• Control waste effectively and drive improvements
• Drive through and support the introduction of new systems and procedures

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
• Achieve operations KPI’s
• Constantly strive to reduce waste and downtime to agreed levels
• Meet and maintain customer requirements in terms of quality and output
• Compliance with the company’s quality standards (PS9000 and BRC/IoP)
• Adherence to the company’s health safety & environment standards (HASAWA Act)
• Maintain a good overall condition of the production area and drive 5`s methodology

SKILLS/QUALS
Degree educated or equivalent in engineering, materials or manufacturing based subject
Successful background within senior management in a heavy metals or process environment
Ability to communicate across all levels, from shop floor to board members
Ability to lead and actively promote the continuous improvement and change management
A proactive leader and team player with a drive to succeed
A proven track record in a similar management role
Able to demonstrate previous experience of driving continuous improvement projects through a working knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma techniques such as SMED, 5S, Kaizen and TPM amongst others
First class communication skills
Able to work in a fast pace environment – FMCG preferred
Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
Computer literate, able to operate Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook/Email

Interpersonal Skills
Comfortable delivering presentations and briefings to personnel at all levels within the group
Oral communication – instruct/teach others, resolve complaints & settle disputes, provide routine information to team leaders/co-workers, interact with peers/managers to share knowledge & determine work priorities, provide basic counselling and answer questions as required
Written communication – complete standard records & forms, produce other written correspondence including letters, memos, plans, notes, reports & emails and produce standard operating procedures
Problem solving – use everyday judgement or basic calculations to perform basic tasks, analyse/evaluate information from multiple sources and use to solve problems
Decision making – have the authority to determine and change priorities
Planning – schedule and coordinate the activities of technical, financial and staffing resources to achieve company objectives
Negotiation – negotiate with others about controversial and/or conflicting matters
Leadership – play lead role in meetings and committees and conduct briefings as necessary