Manufacturing Operations Director

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned and driven Production Manager to join our team. As a key member of our Site Leadership team, you will be responsible for managing all areas of plant production to deliver products in a safe, efficient, quality-focused, and sustainable manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure manufacturing activities are completed safely and in compliance with OH&S requirements.
• Collaborate with the OHS committee and manage incidents and injuries effectively.
• Drive improvements in safety systems, equipment, and culture while setting standards on work-safe procedures and lead work-safe behaviors.
• Coordinate production and maintenance activities through systems and procedures within the context of the overall manufacturing plan.
• Be responsible and accountable for delivering the manufacturing plan, including specific capital engineering activities onsite.
• Achieve agreed manufacturing plans within budgeted costs and to specified quality and hygiene standards.
• Monitor and analyze production data and processes, initiate corrective action, and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate and support other site functional areas, including safety, quality, procurement, maintenance, and warehouse, to drive seamless production flow and continuous improvement.
• Promote and adhere to Lean Manufacturing Standards.
• Provide hands-on leadership and direction to supervisors and maintenance teams. Manage absenteeism, implement performance management, and provide training courses for supervisors and team members.
• Drive operator training and development, including cross-skilling of teams through shift supervisors.
• Work alongside maintenance teams on any plant breakdowns and equipment issues to ensure speedy rectification of any issues, maximize machine uptime, and ensure customer deliveries are met.
• Drive root cause analysis relating to plant reliability or process issues.
• Manage projects, including new product development and process improvement initiatives.
• Prepare reports on production performance, including key metrics and indicators, A3 problem-solving, etc., and present findings to senior management.
• Complete various administrative tasks, including purchasing activities and payroll timesheets.

Requirements:

• Tertiary qualifications in Manufacturing/Engineering (desirable) or related plastic manufacturing.
• Proven experience > 5 years in FMCG production/manufacturing management, preferably within packaging or food manufacturing environments.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and manage the day-to-day operations of a manufacturing site.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, coach, and lead groups of production supervisors.
• Strong safety focus to ensure safe operation of a manufacturing facility.
• Strong practical understanding of production planning and quality management systems, such as GMP, HACCP, BRC, ISO, and customer standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities using techniques such as A3s RCA.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets.
• Leading and executing projects, including implementing change within a production environment.
• Extensive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and Continuous Improvement experience.
• IR experience is advantageous.
• Advanced PC skills, especially Excel, with experience in Oracle JD Edwards being well regarded.
• Action-oriented approach with a proven track record in delivering results against set targets within tight timeframes.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, from shop floor to senior management.

What We Offer:

At our organization, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are vital to our global success. We welcome applicants from all identities, ideas, perspectives, and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We aim to create an inclusive culture where our employees feel empowered to play to their strengths and see themselves reflected in the organization without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual preference, marital status, or inclusion in any other protected class.