CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

VACANCY 

Overall Purpose of the Role

Strategic and tactical responsibility for implementing manufacturing strategy and strategic operational goals to exceed customer expectations for product quality, cost and delivery, maximising efficiency, optimising production levels and driving operational excellence. Work closely with internal and external key stakeholders, regarding technical support for activities, striving for best in class products and business practices to deliver to the customer’s expectations, managing teams and projects across the business. Provide clear leadership and vision, inspire and motivate staff to achieve excellence and mentor them as they develop new skills. Drive Key Performance indicators across all areas of the Manufacturing function to ensure that all projects are delivered on cost and on time to the highest quality standards. Ensure Health, Safety and Environmental issues are prioritised and facilitated, direct and drive implementation of Lean Business strategy and drive Continuous Improvement across all manufacturing related areas of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Development

• Overall responsibility for Manufacturing activities across the business
• Create and implement best practice manufacturing vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance
• Ensure that manufacturing strategies and processes are in place to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets and which enables the company to function and compete effectively in the market
• Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities
• Take ownership of the manufacturing policy, guidelines and any associated documents
• Initiate and develop creative and innovative manufacturing processes
• General and Task Management
• Lead, develop and implement variable cost productivity programmes across all areas of responsibility
• Implement a customer focused operational culture delivering world class customer service levels
• Coordinate team activities to optimise cost performance of the plant through capital investment programmes, optimising operating working capital usage and minimising waste through the development of a continuous improvement culture encompassing lean principles and clear strategic development
• Develop and manage master production schedule and operations budgets for products to directly support and ensure that the product is delivered to agreed cost, quality and timelines
• Plan and execute maintenance activity to ensure plant is kept safe and compliant
• Drive improvements in reliability for key aspects of machinery by completing reliability studies and identifying best planned maintenance strategy
• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors
• Report on Manufacturing activities on a regular basis to the Senior Management team, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of the relevant Key Performance Indicators
• Communicate with stakeholders the impact of technology change and potential effects on supply. Recommend solutions without compromising quality or service while optimising cost
• Contribute to new business initiatives and projects and review and communicate the impact on manufacturing activities
• Relationship Management
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance
• Proactively work with product line management, engineering, service and other departments to incorporate best practices into the manufacturing environment
• Skills & Attributes
• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to optimise team performance and development
• Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities
• Results orientated with ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines
• Commercially and financially astute with experience of managing budgets
• Resilient, self-motivated and able to work well under pressure
• Technical mindset
• An appreciation of and an ability to positively resolve issues arising from different cultures

Qualifications and Experience Levels

• Educated to degree level in a relevant engineering / manufacturing discipline or equivalent
• Demonstrable experience of 12 years+ of leading a manufacturing function with a proven track record in strategic manufacturing leadership delivering effective manufacturing strategies, policies, processes and systems
• Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements
• Proven project management and build quality experience
• Experience of operating and influencing at a strategic level
• Knowledge and technical understanding of automotive processes, components and manufacturing techniques