Overview
Operations Director – Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN36XJ
Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!
Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.
About Us
We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Operations Director to join our senior leadership team at our Northampton site. This is a pivotal role, with full responsibility for driving operational performance, leading a multi-disciplinary management team, and contributing to the overall strategic direction and profitability of the business.
You will provide strong, visible leadership across Production, Engineering, Health & Safety, Quality, Despatch and Continuous Improvement, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance and a culture of continuous improvement.
Main responsibilities of the role
- Act as a driving force for a safety-first culture across the site
- Lead, coach and develop functional managers to maximise performance and engagement
- Deliver plant performance targets in line with customer requirements for quality, volume and delivery
- Own and manage operational, maintenance and capital investment budgets
- Ensure effective planning of labour, equipment and external service providers
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across quality, productivity and cost
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation
- Play a key role in change management, culture development and business transformation
- Contribute to strategic planning and long-term business growth
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role within a manufacturing or technical environment (minimum of 5yrs experience).
- Strong track record of leading teams and delivering operational improvement
- Financially astute, with experience managing significant budgets
- Experienced in Lean / Continuous Improvement environments
- Confident decision-maker with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A credible leader who can balance operational discipline with people-focused leadership
- Degree qualified (Engineering, Science, Business or similar) or equivalent experience
This is a high-profile leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the future performance and culture of a well-established operation. You’ll be empowered to make a real impact, working closely with the senior leadership team to deliver sustainable results.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
- Bonus Plan
- Choice of Company Car or Car Allowance
- Heath Benefit
- Onsite Gym
- Onsite Subsidised Canteen
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
- Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
- Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.
We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.
We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
