Operations Manager

Operations Manager

The Opportunity:

The Operations Manager organizes the plant in such a way that a maximum efficiency under safe working conditions is realized while retaining quality and production standards

How you will impact WestRock

• Visit the work area frequently to ensure compliance, and discusses safety issues with team. Explains to team that safety excellence is expected and is a requirement of employment. Encourages the team to report incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions. SKNA employees regardless of level, position or tenure are responsible for upholding the safety standards regulations and policies.
• Carries out periodic reviews on what works and doesn't work within the function & process and define solutions
• Conducts a Performance Development Reviews (PDR) with each employee of the plant's production (Management) function on an annual basis, and with the team as a whole, in order to address any issues inhibiting performance, either on an individual level or on the part of the production (Management) team as a whole
• Reviews, on a regular basis with other members of the Plant's Management Team, the processes in the production (Management) function to ensure that they are delivering what is required in an effective manner
• Keeps up to date on new development and foster learning & development among the team
• Advises, in the first instance, the General Managers at the earliest opportunity of any concerns he/she may have regarding the Performance of the department and/or its processes
• Oversees that cross training takes place among the team
• Define KPIs for all direct reports (which are cascaded down to the individual team members) and ensure timely follow up and delivery with monthly reports to General Manager
• Participates as a member of the Plant's Management team in formulating its business strategies, plans and budgets and monitoring its (subsequent) performance so as to ensure that the goals are achieved
• Responsible for increasing the productivity of employees and machines by reducing down time and by improving efficiency
• Develop and execute operational plans including performance targets and budgets
• Lead the development and execution of processes and plans to meet all required Safety, Quality, Delivery and cost targets. Set standards of performance for and personnel
• Promote and deploy the use of continuous improvement techniques and practices (lean mfg., 5S, factory physics, etc.). Assure internal metrics (Top 10) and improvement efforts support company goals and objectives
• Develops respective Programs aimed at the improvement of the quality level of the products and services in order to maximize customer satisfaction
• Coach, empower, motivate and manage team of managers and individual contributors, including making hiring and termination decisions, performance evaluations, etc.
• Initiate Training Programs for all levels of production employees in accordance with the short term and long term strategy of the plant (attitude, skills, know-how) with special attention to Health & Safety Programs
• Stimulates, motivates and educates the plant employees, to create good working conditions, working relations and communication
• Prepares, advises and implements machinery investments, layouts and other means that will increase capacity and will decrease cost
• Manages the routine (daily, weekly, monthly etc.) processing activities typically associated with the function of an Operations Manager in compliance with the Standards set by the Group
• Ensures that his/her direct reports have the knowledge and skills, encourages their development and flexibility, co-ordinates their work and provides guidance and support whenever necessary
• May be assigned to other projects and duties

What you need to succeed:

• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills (verbal and written), dealing with individuals at all levels; comfortable to represent the company in the best possible light, using various means of communication (presentations, customer briefs etc.)
• Computer proficiency - Advance MS Office
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in business, in industrial packaging or a related field (i.e. manufacturing industry) preferred
• 10 + years' experience in TQM, ISO, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing or Process Improvement
• High energy, with the ability to work in fast-paced environment
• Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate & develop both senior and junior level staff
• Ability to work with various departments (sales, finance, HR etc.) to resolve challenges
• Capable of building strong relationships internally and externally (e.g. key customers, suppliers etc.)
• Able to drive team to continuously improve processes and foster good working relationships
• Applies analytical thinking
• Capable of stepping back and let the direct reports handle day to day issues with their teams
• Set clearly defined targets for direct reports
• Use sound commercial judgment in all dealings with external providers/suppliers
• Ability to work against strict deadlines and deliver on time
• Capable of prioritizing various tasks among team
• Provide sound information to General Manager, supporting him/her in his/her decision making process
• Display well developed organizational skills, demonstrate initiative & judgment