Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Alkegen brings together two of the world's leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we're delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry's most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we're always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!

Purpose of Position: Responsible for leading day to day manufacturing operations. Must drive continuous improvement (CI) and professional manufacturing principles. Utilize professional manufacturing practices in support of meeting financial, business and leadership developmental goals. This position has responsibility leading and driving the manufacturing standards for the site.

Nature and Scope

The Operations Manager role reports to the Plant Manager. Works frequently and closely with all of the Plant Management team to meet the needs of the organization in terms of safety, quality, cost, plant utilization and OEE performance.

Principal Accountabilities

Safety, Health and Environment

• Ensure that all operations are in accordance with site and legislative EHS standards.
• Be the production champion of safe systems of work. Ensure all safety permits and work instructions are being followed in the manufacturing areas.
• Take part in Key Safe Procedure audits and co-ordinate actions arising.
• Drive continuous improvement in housekeeping and champion 5S initiatives on the plant.
• Assist the EHS Manager in developing EHS policies and procedures.
• Champion a zero-injury culture amongst the production teams.

Production Management

• Provide line management for the shift manufacturing teams including performance and absence management.
• Manage day-to-day plant operations to meet productivity, quality and cost targets.
• Work with the Supply Chain Manager to ensure OTIF delivery for all customers and uninterrupted supply of production packaging & consumables.
• Work with site technical management to ensure delivery of key projects and relevant site support is given.
• Develop operating procedures and working practices in line with safety legislation, business needs and quality standards.
• Develop and deliver individual and team development and succession plans in line with business needs.
• Ensure that all staff are appropriately trained for their job roles.
• Management and reporting of production related KPIs.
• Lead the investigation into OEE losses, be they availability, rate or quality with the goal of driving them to zero.
• Assemble the weekly and monthly production plan in conjunction with the Sales team to ensure that Supply, Demand and inventory levels are balanced for all products.

Maintenance/Engineering

• Interface with the Maintenance and Engineering functions to ensure smooth execution of preventative and reactive maintenance and capital projects.
• Production liaison for overhaul planning activities.
• Work with Engineering on break down and root cause analysis to follow problems through to route cause and appropriate actions.
• Responsible for operational aspects of plant overhauls (cleaning, shutdown and start-up).

Quality

• Lead the investigation of deviations from normal process conditions with a focus on finding and addressing root cause.
• Be a champion for continuous improvement.
• Work with the Quality Manager to investigate customer complaints and other quality issues.

Skills and Knowledge

Takes responsibility and ownership of the manufacturing operation. A degree in business or engineering or significant relevant industry experience. A hands-on individual with an ability to drive forward improvement activities, whilst maintaining a positive working atmosphere across the manufacturing operation. Significant experience managing large teams in a manufacturing environment. Capability of achieving cultural change within an organization. LEAN/ Six-Sigma experience, Green or black-belt preferred. Effective communication and presentation skills. Effective influencing skills at all levels of an organization from shop floor to senior management level. Able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of Environment, Health and Safety regulations. Experience in an ISO 9001 registered operation. A strong focus on process and occupational safety. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Coaching, mentoring and communication – Ability to act as a coach to all levels in the organization. Seen as willing resource to the organization. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyses information skilfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Project Management - Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget; manages project team activities. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results. Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention. Drive – Must exhibit drive to execute effectively and should be an individual capable of career development.

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation, and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran's status, or any other protected class.