General Manager of Operations & Production Excellence

Job Description:

The General Manager of Operations & Production Excellence is a senior leadership role tasked with driving operational efficiency, scaling production processes, and fostering a culture of excellence across all operational facets. This position demands a strategic visionary who possesses an in-depth understanding of complex manufacturing environments and operational systems. The ideal candidate will leverage advanced data analytics to inform decision-making, streamline supply chain management, and optimize resource allocation, all while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety standards. A proven track record in leading large teams through transformational change is critical, enabling this leader to enhance productivity and achieve operational targets while nurturing a collaborative and high-performance workplace culture. The General Manager will also engage with stakeholders across various functions to align operational strategies with corporate goals, champion continuous improvement initiatives, and enhance customer satisfaction through superior operational service delivery.

Job Requirements:

• A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in operations and production management, with at least 8 years in a senior leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in implementing Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to achieve efficiency gains and quality improvements.
• Proven track record in managing multi-site operations, including developing and executing strategies that drive growth and profitability across diverse production lines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with proficiency in using data-driven insights to inform operational strategies and address complex issues.
• Exceptional leadership skills capable of inspiring and developing high-performing teams through effective mentoring, performance management, and employee engagement practices.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively articulate operational objectives and engage stakeholders at all management levels.
• Deep understanding of supply chain management, inventory control, and procurement processes, with experience in driving efficiencies from sourcing to delivery.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards pertinent to safety, quality assurance, and environmental compliance within the manufacturing sector.
• Strong project management experience with a proven ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities and meet rigorous deadlines within a fast-paced environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans that align with the company's overarching goals and drive operational excellence.
• Lead the deployment of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring that production schedules are met while maintaining high standards of quality, cost efficiency, and safety compliance.
• Analyze operational metrics to identify trends, forecast performance, and drive initiatives based on data-driven insights for optimal resource allocation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, supply chain, and sales, to ensure seamless production processes and enhanced customer delivery performance.
• Effectively manage relationships with suppliers, vendors, and partners to establish mutually beneficial agreements and maintain a reliable supply chain.
• Take ownership of talent development within the operational teams to enhance performance and cultivate leadership pipelines for future growth.
• Conduct regular reviews of operational performance, prepare comprehensive reports for senior leadership, and act as a representative during board meetings and stakeholder engagements.
• Champion safety initiatives, leading by example to ensure that all operations adhere strictly to occupational health and safety standards.

Required Skills:

• Strategic thinking and visionary leadership, with a knack for identifying operational opportunities and challenges in a dynamic environment.
• Advanced problem-solving skills with a quantitative approach to decision-making using robust data analytics tools and techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that foster collaboration and teamwork, guiding diverse teams towards common operational goals.
• Proficient in utilising modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and other technological tools to drive operational efficiency.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills to manage stakeholder expectations and drive collaborative outcomes effectively.
• Comprehensive knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and competitive benchmarks related to operations and production management.
• Proficiency in change management practices to lead organizational transformation with sensitivity and skill.
• High emotional intelligence, enabling the establishment of strong relationships with employees and other stakeholders.
• Results-oriented mindset with an ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining composure and clarity of thought.