About the role-
We have an exciting opportunity, to be part of the Country Leadership Team and reporting directly to the UK & Ireland MD. You will be responsible for delivering growth and performance for the Cluster and the Country. In this role you will set Cluster direction, align resources and execute through the Cluster Management Team with full accountability for P&L delivery, and drive growth and productivity.
Importantly you will also have the overall responsibility for the leadership of safe and efficient operations within the Cluster.
Key responsibilities include:
Safe & healthy working practices & sustainability
Sets the direction and creates followership for safe & healthy working environment and culture, by personal example.
Generates strong leadership and commitment to the sustainability plan of the Country and overall DS Smith business.
Performance Delivery & Growth
Develops and leads the Cluster Sales & Operations Plan, works collaboratively with Country Leadership, other Cluster Directors and own Cluster management team in the development and delivery of performance targets, objectives and operational plans for the Cluster.
Cultivates a strong partnership with Functional Leaders, Clusters and the Country to set policies and work consistently to support the overall profitability of the Country / Region. This role acts as a change ambassador and acts to ensure the strongest performance through maximising the Cluster model and Country working.
Commercial & Operational Efficiency
Optimises the commercial and operational footprint of the Cluster to create additional value.
Ensure Cluster Site costs are fully optimised – Maximising Cluster P&L. And drive effective management of S&OP.
Continuous Improvement
Successful deliver the CI programme and estalish culture and work practices and collaborate and provide oversight on cost optimisation and producting plans and leveraging performance.
Leadership, People & Culture
Leads DS Smith’s purpose Message.
Builds an environment where individuals can excel. Leads through engagement initiatives for the Cluster. Builds high calibre talent within teams to support Cluster strengths.
Drives and facilitates a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement across the Cluster.
About you-
Strong general management skills and maturity to be the recognised leader of large workforce (>750 FTE) of both direct employees and co-located departments.
A strong technical career background and experience managing shop floor manufacturing operations, quality standards and asset maintenance
External outlook -Ability to interpret and work with the wider strategic agenda, within the Country and Region.
Ability to navigate and operate comfortably within a matrix environment and sometimes competing priorities while remaining focused on core KPIs.
Education & Certifications
Degree Qualified. A further business-related qualification such as an MBA would be an advantage.
Experience
Significant experience as a General Manager in a multi-product line, multi-country, B2B manufacturing business.
A proven track record of leading the strategic development of a large (€200m+) multi country, international manufacturing business with a high degree of operational and commercial complexity.
You will ideally have been exposed to different cycles of business and therefore bring experience of contributing to, or leading, in turnaround, growth, and strategic development situations.
Demonstrable strategic business planning skills. A track record of effective management and leadership of a multi-cultural leadership team.
Strong commercial acumen and financially savvy. Proven influencing and stakeholder management skills with a demonstrable track record of leading and embedding culture led change.
Location: UK - Flexible across the Midlands & North
