Operations CI Manager

Based in Belfast, we are a leading provider of environmental, animal and human health solutions and a key influencer in driving health and sustainability throughout the food chain. Devenish has four manufacturing sites in the UK and four in the United States, from where they supply innovative nutritional solutions and technical expertise to producers through the farm, feed and food industry in the UK, Ireland, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australasia, Latin America, and the USA.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Operations, the successful candidate will primarily be responsible for enhancing business performance across the sites, by developing process improvements with changes in workflows, teams and structures to assist in reducing site operating costs as to continuously improve company performance.

Responsibilities:

CI Management:

• Identification of potential improvement projects to help the sites meet targets in relation to safety improvement, productivity, efficiency, quality improvements and developing support teams with delegation and mentoring, specific to sites and/or projects
• Ensure delivery of individual projects to plan – including timing, budgets and realisation of project deliverables
• Producing project plans highlighting key milestones from start to finish
• Day to day management of each project ensuring stakeholders are updated with progress to plan
• Communicating ideas and opinions to all stakeholders with a strategical and analytical mindset as to lead organisational change
• Facilitate the implementation of risk assessments / work instructions for any upgrades or changes to process steps, in line with the coordination of staff training for full compliance
• Working in collaboration with other stakeholders to enhance productivity, staff understanding and feedback
• Continuous monitoring of sites performance and organisational structures as to identify specific weak points within each process
• Demonstrate and promote the essential use of lean tools and techniques. For example: 5S, SMED, Line Speed Balancing, TPM, Problem Solving Techniques, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, Process Control, Gemba Walks, SQDC KPI Boards etc.
• Working in collaboration with site management and maintenance on reviewing lost time reports/downtime to identify and develop future CAPEX proposals and short to medium term efficiency projects
• Reviewing feedback and identifying an improvement project, coordinating site teams and other departmental supports, to review and implement changes which will lead to project improvements and operational efficiencies
• Demonstrate and deliver a programme of events in support of a future factory vision.
• Support and develop the functional management to engage, involve and empower all site colleagues and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Focus on plant wide issues and inter-plant initiatives including developing synergies and business opportunities to optimise the manufacturing performance.
• Work in partnership with Supply Chain and Commercial Teams to optimise manufacturing site footprint and capacity model.

Technical Support:

• Provide technical support to both operations and maintenance engineers
• Support effective Root Cause Analysis sessions as to enable dynamic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Working collaboratively with the management teams across the three sites, to encourage a culture of shared learnings.
• Provide support and liaise with business partners and stakeholders regarding system integration and site upgrades
• Working collaboratively with the IT department with regards to IT system upgrades that will have an impact on the sites, ensuring that pre-planning is carried out and expected timeframes are set out in advance.

Essential Criteria:

• Time served in Operations or process management and optimisation
• 3 years' experience in a similar management role
• Ability to think strategically
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively and work under pressure
• Understanding of managing a multi-disciplinary project team and the challenges involved
• Highly motivated
• Strong analytical problem-solving abilities with an ability to build constructive working relationships
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Results driven with sound business judgement
• Strong IT skills including standard Microsoft packages
• Communicate effectively at all levels of a business
• Flexible and adaptable
• Good attendance, timekeeping & disciplinary record
• Full driving licence and access to a car
• Travel to various sites as required

Desirable Criteria:

• Degree in Business / Operations / Process Management
• Experience of fast paced manufacturing environment
• Experience of providing new equipment training for operator and maintenance staff
• Knowledge of lean principles, 5S and/or Kaizen
• Strong negotiation skills with experience of leadership and mentoring

What we offer:

• Based in Belfast, Widnes & A-One
• 37.5 hour week
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Company matched pension scheme
• Life Assurance linked to pension
• Training and development opportunities
• Corporate Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistant Programme
• Westfield Rewards
• Refer a friend scheme
• Cycle to Work

The Devenish Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.