Operations Manager

About us

• White Cross Rubber Products Limited is a manufacturer of specialised rubber sheeting and rubber coated textiles supplying semifinished goods into a wide range of demanding markets and applications in the UK and around the globe.
• Technically focussed, the business handles a wide range of elastomeric and textile materials converting them into thinner, wider and more complex rollform goods that enable our customers to take a leading position in their own fields. 
• Our 5,000m2 plant encompasses some impressive machinery and multiple processes much of which is unique within the UK.
• We are familyowned SME who lead a close knit and experienced team of multi-disciplinary individuals taking pride in what we do and working towards common goals.
• Continuous growth in the business has led us to appoint a genuine Operations Manager who will ‘fit’ with our people and culture.

Job specification

• The Operations Manager sits centrally within our structure to link and coordinate different functions, bringing control and driving continuously towards better outcomes on a week by week basis.
• The Ooerations Manager will take direct control of Production, Planning, Stock Control, Quality Control, Process, IT & Systems, Admin and Engineering Management. An estimated 70% of the role will be focussed on production related matters.
• The Operations Manager will work closely with other managers and directors responsible for other functions of the business such as H&S, coordinating these functions across the site and cascading down and upholding policies or implementing new initiatives.
• The Operations Manager is expected to be expert in Continuous Improvement techniques and tools with a mandate to bring positive change to operations.
• The Operations Manager will be responsible for all personnel onsite below director level ensuring staffing and labour levels are optimal, hiring new recruits, restructuring where necessary, development and training as well as ensuring morale and staff well-being are central to a supportive and inclusive environment. A working knowledge of HR and employment law is necessary.
• The Operations Manager will work closely with the directors of the business to ensure that commercial and strategic goals are delivered on time and on budget.
• The Operations Manager will be will be highly conversant in IT and ERP systems to support and lead the adoption of new technology onsite facilitating better information capture and flow ultimately advancing operational efficiency.
• The Operations Manager will develop a reporting system based on KPI’s to clearly demonstrate the operational performance of the business on a daily, weekly and periodic basis.
• The Operations Manager will have excellent interpersonal skills in order to lead change and bring all employees along on the journey. Leading by example and ‘hands on’ involvement when needed are necessary traits
• The Operations Manager must be able to develop a technical understanding of our materials, products and processes as this will be vital to the successful performance of the role
• Previous experience and a proven track record at middle level in operations management within manufacturing is essential or within several relevant fields i.e. Production or Quality management. Past experience within the rubber industry or aligned ‘rollform’ goods manufacturing industries is desirable.
• Specific qualifications within Operations Management, Project Management, Lean Manufacturing, Quality Control etc or any other relevant qualifications are a distinct advantage.
• Whilst the successful candidate is expected to be ‘readymade’ for the role relevant training to address any capability gaps and develop the individual will be provided.
• The role has the remit to allow an ambitious successful candidate to place their ‘stamp’ on the business and derive real satisfaction by creating a better and more successful enterprise.

Details of the job

• The role is site based at our single site in Lancaster UK with the regular working hours being 44 hours per week. Some periodic travel to customers or suppliers maybe required
• The Operations Manager is expected to work additional hours as required by the demands of the business and in support of overtime working.
• A competitive salary commensurate with experience is on offer with further benefits including company pension, discretionary profit share and sick pay.
• Applications should be made online and include an upto-date CV outlining any notice period from your current employment.