Operations Director, UK Packaging

As part of the UK Cluster Management team the Operations Director will develop, drive and lead the implementation of the Supply Chain / Operations strategy for the UK, ensuring that all Operations targets and costs are met through the most effective and efficient use of people and equipment.

The Operations Director, UK will report directly to the Managing Director for

the UK and have a dotted reporting line to the Regional Operations Director, North Europe.

Key Achievements / Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the strategic plan. Bring critical thinking to the existing plan, transformational activities and target operating models. Future proof the business with longer term strategic planning.
• Leads the continuous development and execution of defined Operations / Supply Chain business plans for the cluster.
• Leads the UK Environment, Health and Safety Function by supporting regional strategy setting and by ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with the company health, safety and environmental policies - warrants the safest possible operation of plants, including the operations and engineering functions, to ensure business H&S targets are met.
• Drive the development of capable, lean and efficient operations and supply chain organisation across UK in close collaboration with the Sector Directors and the site teams. Responsible for planning and implementing lean initiatives across UK. Ensure a continuous strong execution of the PACE ambition and safeguard the necessary capabilities and resources to deliver on the Operations strategy, market demands and business requirements.
• Researches and implements the latest techniques of lean manufacturing, challenging the Sector Directors and the Plant GMs to achieve step-changes in performance.
• Development and implementation of a robust asset management strategy for the UK cluster including optimisation of cluster manufacturing footprint.
• Responsible for execution of project management system to ensure the most optimum use of resources – this role will act as chairman of the UK Capital Investment Committee – overseeing projects in the cluster from conception, through execution to post-investment review.
• Anticipates future Supply Chain / Operations trends and innovations, and constantly looks for creative methods of reducing the cost of manufacturing on time, in full, delivery of quality products to our customers.
• Establishes and maintains positive customer- and supplier relationships to enhance the performance and reputation of DS Smith.
• As a member of the UK leadership team, the Cluster Operations Director must also participate and contribute to the overall business development of the entire NE region - develop and gain approval for the Supply Chain / Operations business strategy to ensure that this is in line with the overall NE Region strategy and the direction of the Packaging Division.
• Drive and facilitate the development of short- and long-term investment plans related to production technology to maintain and further improve cost effectiveness and competitiveness of products and production processes. Prepares and agrees budgets with the Managing Director and Sector Directors for CAPEX, manning levels and production volume.
• Establish effective communication channels to sales and marketing departments in UK and Regional / Divisional functions to ensure effective execution of the Supply Chain / Operations strategy.
• Ensures production is set against business plans to achieve agreed profitability targets.
• Applies comprehensive management control to ensure people, plant, machinery and transport costs are within budget - ensures management reports and information are accurate and on time.
• Ensures that overall operations systems and procedures are in place and in line with DS Smith guidelines to manage any problems that arise and develops contingency plans.
• Drives forward the emphasis on improved productivity, reduced waste, and the delivery of reliable manufacturing capacity.
• Ensures all work is undertaken in accordance with the company health, safety and environmental policies - warrants the safest possible operation of plants, including the operations and engineering functions, to ensure business H&S targets are met.
• Manages the Cluster Health & Safety community, and ensures active partnership with the Regional Health & Safety Director (HSE) for continued good practice and good relations with the authorities on safety issues.
• Acts, where appropriate, as the company’s representative on safety, technical, regulatory and environmental matters on cross-industry bodies and trade associations.
• Ensure that UK identifies and utilises business synergies across the business entity and within the NE region to optimize business processes and drive out costs.
• Build and promote an organisational structure and culture that tears down any functional / business unit barriers and establish a lean and efficient structure that utilizes all existing capabilities and resources across the business.
• Safeguard and lead the continuous DS Smith integration process on a global, regional and business entity level.
• Warrant and embed the DS Smith business vision, culture and values in the organization.
• Enrich and expand the talent pipeline within the organization and ensure strong leadership capabilities.
• Lead, coach and develop the Operations team in UK to achieve maximum performance and the HR capability to meet current and future business targets and challenges interests and products. Liaise and build sustainable and solid relationships with key customers, Regional / Divisional functions and relevant external stakeholders.
• Establish and develop relationships with key internal stakeholders at local, regional and Group Operating Committee levels. Develop trust and confidence when managing upwards within the organisation.
• Role model and champion the DS Smith values and Leadership Competencies and act as a change role model continuously striving to improve leadership and people management to deliver continuous durable performance.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Requirements & Experience