Operations Manager

Smurfit Westrock plc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock plc in Houston, Texas, seeks an Operations Manager to oversee plant operations ensuring efficiency and safety. The role requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, proven leadership with over 10 years of experience in process improvement methodologies like TQM and Six Sigma. Responsibilities include managing performance reviews, setting KPIs, and promoting team development. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree and demonstrate the ability to motivate staff in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in TQM, ISO, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing or Process Improvement.
• High energy, able to work in fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to develop staff.

Responsibilities

• Organize plant operations to maximize efficiency under safe conditions.
• Conduct Performance Development Reviews on an annual basis.
• Define KPIs for direct reports and ensure timely follow-ups.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Team motivation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in business or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Operations Manager

TheOpportunity:

The Operations Manager organizes the plant in such a way that a maximum efficiency under safe working conditions is realized while retaining quality and production standards

• Visit the work area frequently to ensure compliance, and discusses safety issues with team. Explains to team that safety excellence is expected and is a requirement of employment. Encourages the team to report incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions. SKNA employees regardless of level, position or tenure are responsible for upholding the safety standards regulations and policies.
• Carries out periodic reviews on what works and doesn't work within the function & process and define solutions
• Conducts a Performance Development Reviews (PDR) with each employee of the plant's production (Management) function on an annual basis, and with the team as a whole, in order to address any issues inhibiting performance, either on an individual level or on the part of the production (Management) team as a whole
• Reviews, on a regular basis with other members of the Plant's Management Team, the processes in the production (Management) function to ensure that they are delivering what is required in an effective manner
• Keeps up to date on new development and foster learning & development among the team
• Advises, in the first instance, the General Managers at the earliest opportunity of any concerns he/she may have regarding the Performance of the department and/or its processes
• Oversees that cross training takes place among the team
• Define KPIs for all direct reports (which are cascaded down to the individual team members) and ensure timely follow up and delivery with monthly reports to General Manager
• Participates as a member of the Plant's Management team in formulating its business strategies, plans and budgets and monitoring its (subsequent) performance so as to ensure that the goals are achieved
• Responsible for increasing the productivity of employees and machines by reducing down time and by improving efficiency
• Develop and execute operational plans including performance targets and budgets
• Lead the development and execution of processes and plans to meet all required Safety, Quality, Delivery and cost targets. Set standards of performance for and personnel
• Promote and deploy the use of continuous improvement techniques and practices (lean mfg., 5S, factory physics, etc.). Assure internal metrics (Top 10) and improvement efforts support company goals and objectives
• Develops respective Programs aimed at the improvement of the quality level of the products and services in order to maximize customer satisfaction
• Coach, empower, motivate and manage team of managers and individual contributors, including making hiring and termination decisions, performance evaluations, etc.
• Initiate Training Programs for all levels of production employees in accordance with the short term and long term strategy of the plant (attitude, skills, know-how) with special attention to Health & Safety Programs
• Stimulates, motivates and educates the plant employees, to create good working conditions, working relations and communication
• Prepares, advises and implements machinery investments, layouts and other means that will increase capacity and will decrease cost
• Manages the routine (daily, weekly, monthly etc.) processing activities typically associated with the function of an Operations Manager in compliance with the Standards set by the Group
• Ensures that his/her direct reports have the knowledge and skills, encourages their development and flexibility, co-ordinates their work and provides guidance and support whenever necessary
• May be assigned to other projects and duties

What you need to succeed:

• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills (verbal and written), dealing with individuals at all levels; comfortable to represent the company in the best possible light, using various means of communication (presentations, customer briefs etc.)
• Computer proficiency - Advance MS Office
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in business, in industrial packaging or a related field (i.e. manufacturing industry) preferred
• 10 + years' experience in TQM, ISO, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing or Process Improvement
• High energy, with the ability to work in fast-paced environment
• Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate & develop both senior and junior level staff
• Ability to work with various departments (sales, finance, HR etc.) to resolve challenges
• Capable of building strong relationships internally and externally (e.g. key customers, suppliers etc.)
• Able to drive team to continuously improve processes and foster good working relationships
• Applies analytical thinking
• Capable of stepping back and let the direct reports handle day to day issues with their teams
• Set clearly defined targets for direct reports
• Use sound commercial judgment in all dealings with external providers/suppliers
• Ability to work against strict deadlines and deliver on time
• Capable of prioritizing various tasks among team
• Provide sound information to General Manager, supporting him/her in his/her decision making process
• Display well developed organizational skills, demonstrate initiative & judgment

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.