Multi-Site Operations Director: Plastics Recycling

ion-tec Ltd; Northampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ion-tec Ltd is seeking an Operations Director-level manager to lead eight recycling sites across the UK from Northampton. The role is hands-on, shop-floor focused, and requires quick problem-solving to improve output, yield and product consistency.

You will collaborate with the Commercial Director to ensure volumes, specifications and quality are met reliably. The role demands a proven track record in plastics recycling or similar continuous processes, with strong safety leadership and

Qualifications

• Senior operations leadership experience in plastics recycling or similar continuous process industry.
• Proven ability to turnaround underperforming plants and improve output, yield and cost.
• Strong technical understanding of plastic recycling processes.
• Hands-on, shop-floor leadership with credibility among operators and engineers.
• Experience managing multi-site operations and leading through change.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement tools and structured problem solving.
• Willingness to travel extensively between sites.

Responsibilities

• Own safety, output, yield, uptime, quality and cost across all sites.
• Establish KPIs (OEE, throughput, yield, downtime, energy per tonne) with daily/weekly reviews.
• Lead turnaround of underperforming plants and lines.
• Drive in-spec product, especially for food-grade materials, with repeatable quality.
• Implement and embed SOPs, root cause analysis and Lean/Six Sigma.
• Improve maintenance standards and move to planned preventive maintenance.
• Support commissioning and ramp-up of new lines and sites.

Skills

Operations leadership

Multi-site management

Continuous improvement

Shop-floor presence

Travel willingness

UK site liaison

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

ion-tec Ltd is seeking an Operations Director-level manager to lead eight recycling sites across the UK from Northampton. The role is hands-on, shop-floor focused, and requires quick problem-solving to improve output, yield and product consistency.

You will collaborate with the Commercial Director to ensure volumes, specifications and quality are met reliably. The role demands a proven track record in plastics recycling or similar continuous processes, with strong safety leadership and