Operations Manager

TN United Kingdom; Chirk; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Section Operations Manager to lead a key manufacturing unit. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the plant. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive experience in food manufacturing to coach and motivate teams, ensuring alignment with global KPIs and operational targets. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and team development, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of snacking. Join a passionate team dedicated to quality and innovation in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in Food Manufacturing or wider Manufacturing industry.
• Experience with manufacturing systems and Lean Manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety initiatives and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Manage operational and financial performance, aligning with annual plans.
• Drive operational improvements and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Project Management

Business Acumen

Education

Degree in Manufacturing or Engineering

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

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Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?

Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It With Pride.

The Section Operations Manager role is a key senior site leadership position with overall responsibility for a Manufacturing Business Unit within the Chirk Plant, a key plant in our UK Confectionary Cluster.

This leadership role requires coaching and motivating staff at multiple levels to ensure effective daily performance by aligning resources (people, plant, and process) to meet KPIs and operational targets. The successful candidate will identify continuous improvement opportunities and influence their implementation.

Reporting to the Plant Manager, you will create, own, and develop the manufacturing plant area, translating global and regional KPIs into actionable activities to improve operations. With motivational leadership and a relentless drive for excellence, you will foster a team ethic passionate about continual improvement.

This role is critical in driving the IL6S agenda across the plant and other business areas. Developing a strong process and continuous improvement culture by building team capabilities within the SQCDSM framework is essential. You will prioritize people, act with integrity, and support sustainability through strong leadership, aligned with the primary process and teams. A transformational mindset and a drive to excel are required.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead safety initiatives by supporting and role modeling Safety, Security, and Environment (SSE) programs, reinforcing safe behaviors among production staff, and ensuring compliance with product specifications, quality policies, and safety regulations.
• Be accountable for the operational and financial performance of your section, aligning with the annual operating plan.
• Deliver production according to plan, managing costs, loss rates, and recipes, and following the demand requirements set by Mondelez Europe’s S&OP process.
• Manage materials, ensure replenishment, and meet inventory targets for raw and packaging materials.
• Lead the team through all phases of the Site Improvement Roadmaps, creating and executing the section roadmap, and ensuring appropriate training and development to maintain critical capabilities. Foster a culture aligned with IL6S CI and Lean Manufacturing principles, communicating plans, tracking progress, and following through on commitments.
• Drive operational and financial improvements by challenging machine standards, work processes, and systems. Identify profit margin opportunities, develop business benefit scenarios, and implement improvement projects using CI disciplines.
• Act as a change agent, developing operational teams’ skills, knowledge, and independence, leveraging teamwork and flexibility.
• Utilize IL6S programs and practices to deliver step-change improvements, eliminating losses across all aspects of SQCDSM.

Candidate Requirements

• Strong experience in the Food Manufacturing or wider Manufacturing industry.
• Degree or equivalent in Manufacturing or Engineering.
• Experience with manufacturing systems (SAP) and proficiency in MS Office.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, IL6S, TPM.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to engage employees at all levels.
• Results-driven with a track record of exceeding goals.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills.
• Business acumen with planning and project management skills.
• Ability to develop budgets, implement corrective actions, and identify cost drivers for productivity.
• Understanding of Continuous Improvement processes.
• Experience in high-performance team cultures, embracing servant leadership and a Learn-Do-Teach approach.
• Extensive manufacturing experience, including production, maintenance, engineering, and preferably section shift management.

Additional Information

The role operates within a regional business model managed by Mondelēz Europe GmbH, Switzerland. No relocation support is available.

Business Unit Summary

At Mondelez Europe, we pride ourselves on our iconic brands and passionate people. Our products are made in 52 plants across Europe by over 28,000 employees. We are leaders in chocolate, biscuits, gum, and candy, with brands like Cadbury, Milka, Oreo, and Tuc. Join us to continue leading the future of snacking worldwide.

Mondelez International is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.

Job Type

Regular, Manufacturing support, Manufacturing