Deputy Plant Manager

Job Description

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that held those soda cans you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care, and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

As Deputy Plant Manager you will take responsibility for the management of the operational activities on the Leeds site on a day-to-day basis working closely with the Multi-site Plant Manager to ensure comprehensive day to day management of Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance and Health and Safety on the Leeds site.

Accountable to the Multi-site Plant Manager for overall production performance, the Deputy Plant Manager supports the success of Leeds by leading employee and product safety to maximise productivity and ensure good quality output.

They will champion training and development and develop strong, working relationships between technical, engineering, quality and continuous improvement teams to create an environment of continuous improvement and development.

The Deputy Plant Manager is primarily responsible for guiding the employees in the operations field in the achievement of specific site goals and KPIs.

The Deputy Plant Manager is constantly required to make informed decisions with regards to operational activities and must be able to review and analyse information in a timely manner to ensure operational plans and targets are in place and are kept on track. They must be able to work independently and exercise sound judgment in their decision making.

Key Responsibilities are:

• Drive and improve productivity by leading continuous improvement projects to optimise manufacturing processes and decrease waste across the site.
• Drive and support high performance culture, employee involvement, initiatives and practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.
• Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify opportunities for enhancement.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the plant by providing training and development on CI methodologies and tools.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Assist the Multi-Site Plant Manager in daily operations and act as a key point of contact in their absence.
• Ensure facility assets are appropriately maintained through planning and implementation of maintenance programs and procedures, including preventative maintenance and reliability programs.
• Champion the principles and processes for providing superior customer service.
• Support the site in the delivery of their People Plan and increase measured engagement scores.
• Optimise inventory turns and reduce aged board inventory to meet cash targets.
• Prepare and present reports on improvement initiatives and outcomes to senior management.

Moreover, they should have

• the ability to empower, lead and develop a team from the front, and engage people at all levels of the business.
• the ability to make key business decisions in the absence of the Multi-site Plant Manager and anticipate the needs of the site and put plans in place accordingly.
• Thorough knowledge of operations, quality, environmental and safety systems and financial forecasting, planning and budgetary control.
• The ability to deliver, using modern manufacturing principles including lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• The drive, enthusiasm and determination to succeed with a “hands on, can do' attitude.
• Thorough understanding of a process-driven production environment.
• Proven experience working together with employee representatives.
• Achieve operations KPI’s.
• Waste targets.
• Budgetary targets met.
• Agreed levels of downtime.
• Customer SLAs.
• Compliance with the company’s quality standards (ISO9001 and BRC/IoP, AIP, FSC/PEFC).
• Adherence to the company’s health safety & environment standards (HASAWA Act).
• Maintenance of good overall condition of the production area.
• Accurate & efficient control of components including filing and good housekeeping practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors’ degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related field is desirable but not essential.
• Formal lean/six-sigma training desirable.

Experience/Background:

• Proven experience in a FMCG manufacturing, operations leadership role (7-10 years).
• EH & S regulations knowledge & application.
• Engineering/maintenance knowledge.
• Management of inventory control.
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Track record for developing people.
• Working closely with employee representatives and trade unions.
• Experience in budget management.
• Experience in change management and driving cultural change.
• Sound commercial knowledge (e.g., sales, marketing, estimating).

Interpersonal skills

• Tenacious, - able to achieve results through others.
• Excellent communication skills.
• “Can do – will do” attitude.
• Empathetic, diplomatic, strong people person.
• Integrity: always making the right decision regardless of pressure.
• Quick and smart thinker, who always looks for opportunities to improve.
• Resilient.
• Team player / does what’s best for the business.
• Problem solver.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Health and Safety

• Ensure the reporting of any faulty or hazardous fixtures, fittings, furniture or equipment.
• Qualified repairs of all faulty electrical equipment.
• Ensure all accidents involving injury are reported in a timely manner.
• Evaluate and keep production area free of obstructions, including fire exits, fire equipment and evacuation routes.
• Ensure the work area is kept clean and tidy.