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

1. 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.
2. Lead the continuous development and execution of defined Operations/Supply Chain business plans for the cluster.
3. Lead the UK Environment, Health, and Safety Function by supporting regional strategy setting and ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with the company health, safety, and environmental policies.
4. Drive the development of capable, lean, and efficient operations and supply chain organisation across the UK in close collaboration with the Sector Directors and the site teams.
5. Research and implement the latest techniques of lean manufacturing, challenging the Sector Directors and the Plant GMs to achieve step-changes in performance.
6. Develop and implement a robust asset management strategy for the UK cluster, including optimisation of cluster manufacturing footprint.
7. Execute project management systems to ensure the most optimum use of resources, acting as chairman of the UK Capital Investment Committee.
8. Anticipate future Supply Chain/Operations trends and innovations, constantly looking for creative methods to reduce manufacturing costs.
9. Establish and maintain positive customer and supplier relationships to enhance the performance and reputation of DS Smith.
10. Participate and contribute to the overall business development of the entire NE region as a member of the UK leadership team.
11. Drive and facilitate the development of short- and long-term investment plans related to production technology.
12. Establish effective communication channels to sales and marketing departments in the UK and Regional/Divisional functions.
13. Ensure production is set against business plans to achieve agreed profitability targets.
14. Apply comprehensive management control to ensure people, plant, machinery, and transport costs are within budget.
15. Ensure that overall operations systems and procedures are in place and in line with DS Smith guidelines.
16. Drive forward the emphasis on improved productivity, reduced waste, and reliable manufacturing capacity.
17. Manage the Cluster Health & Safety community and ensure active partnership with the Regional Health & Safety Director.
18. Act as the company’s representative on safety, technical, regulatory, and environmental matters on cross-industry bodies and trade associations.
19. Identify and utilise business synergies across the business entity and within the NE region.
20. Build and promote an organisational structure and culture that tears down functional/business unit barriers.
21. Safeguard and lead the continuous DS Smith integration process on a global, regional, and business entity level.
22. Warrant and embed the DS Smith business vision, culture, and values in the organisation.
23. Enrich and expand the talent pipeline within the organisation and ensure strong leadership capabilities.
24. Lead, coach, and develop the Operations team in the UK to achieve maximum performance.
25. Establish and develop relationships with key internal stakeholders at local, regional, and Group Operating Committee levels.
26. Role model and champion the DS Smith values and Leadership Competencies.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

1. Education at Master’s level, MBA or equivalent.
2. Strong business acumen and commercial experience at a senior level. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a Senior Operations Role with multisite responsibility.

Requirements & Experience

1. Experience of driving change and managing growth.
2. Demonstrated results from independently driving and implementing organisation transformation.
3. Multi-Functional / Multi-Site Experience.
4. Experience in taking responsibility and delivering results.
5. Proven ability to deal with stakeholder management, internal and external.
6. Strong intellect; analytical and strategic planning skills combined with a commercial outlook.
7. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
8. Ability to execute tasks and make decisions in a high-pressure environment.
9. Strong interpersonal skills, team building skills, and customer relationship skills.
10. Excellent people leadership skills.
11. Drive, determination, and high standards.
12. Strategic mindset, results-oriented, accountable, and leads by example.
13. Ability to lead business change in a fast-moving environment.
14. The highest standards in terms of ambition, performance, integrity, and ethics.
15. Maturity and depth of knowledge to provide strong leadership to the Sector.