Requirements
The ideal candidate is an experienced manufacturing leader with a strong track record in safety, operational strategy, and team management. Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or TPM and the ability to drive performance in a complex, 24/7 environment are essential.
Job Description
Ready to take ownership of an entire manufacturing site and lead its people, performance and future direction?
Due to an upcoming retirement, we have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to join Essity at our Oakenholt Mill in Flint, North Wales.
This is a high-impact role with responsibility for the overall operation of the site, giving you the opportunity to shape strategy, develop people, drive continuous improvement and deliver sustainable results.
About the Role
Oakenholt Mill is home to one paper machine, manufacturing tissue products 24/7 for our Professional Hygiene business and the Tork® brand.
As Operations Manager, you will take overall responsibility for site operations, balancing safety, people, performance, quality, cost, delivery and continuous improvement.
You'll lead through four direct reports who collectively oversee around 62 employees, creating clear direction while building a culture where people feel empowered to contribute, challenge and improve.
At Essity, we're looking for people who aren't afraid to challenge, innovate and experiment. If that sounds like you, we'd love to talk.
What You Will Do
You'll have the scope to make a real impact. You will:
- Provide visible leadership for safety, creating a culture of ownership for safe working, operational risk and high standards.
- Lead the Oakenholt operation, creating a clear strategy and translating it into action.
- Lead, coach and develop four direct reports, supporting them to get the best from their teams.
- Take full budget responsibility, ensuring key financial and operational targets are achieved.
- Drive Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and Morale (SQCDM) performance through clear operational routines and measures.
- Work across Engineering, Quality, Safety/RESH, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Finance and other functions to optimise site performance.
- Build a strong people and talent agenda, developing leadership capability and creating opportunities for growth.
- Drive continuous improvement and Manufacturing Excellence, reducing losses and improving efficiency and operational stability.
- Use structured problem-solving, including Root Cause Analysis, to deliver sustainable improvements.
- Lead and embed change, bringing people with you and translating improvements into measurable results.
People are at the heart of Oakenholt's success. Your ability to create clarity, build engagement and develop others will be as important as your operational expertise.
Who You Are
You're an experienced manufacturing or operations leader who knows how to turn strategy into results while keeping people engaged and focused.
You'll bring:
- Significant leadership experience within a complex, ideally 24/7, manufacturing or process environment.
- A strong track record of visible safety leadership and building a culture of ownership.
- Experience leading operational teams and delivering measurable business improvements.
- Experience developing and implementing longer-term operational strategies.
- Proven budget ownership and performance management experience.
- Strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to develop capability and get the best from others.
- A collaborative style with the confidence to challenge, influence and make decisions.
- Experience driving continuous improvement, Manufacturing Excellence, Lean or TPM and reducing operational losses.
- Strong problem-solving capability, including Root Cause Analysis or similar methodologies.
- The ability to assess risk and make sound decisions in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage people at every level.
Most importantly, you're ready for a role with genuine ownership, visibility and the opportunity to make your mark.
Papermaking or high-speed continuous process manufacturing experience would be advantageous, but isn't essential.
What We Can Offer You
Our purpose, Breaking Barriers to Well-Being, provides meaning to everything we do. Join us to improve well-being for people and drive positive change for society and the environment. At Essity, you'll feel valued, empowered to grow, and challenged to achieve business results in a collaborative and open atmosphere. Innovate for Good | Excel Together | Be You with Us
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