About the Role:
Leeds has a strong manufacturing and industrial heritage, and at Royal Plastics Manufacturing Ltd, we are building on that foundation through efficient production, dependable quality, and responsible growth.
We manufacture plastic packaging components and polymer-based products for commercial and industrial customers. We are looking for a Director of Manufacturing Operations who can take full ownership of our production strategy and operational performance.
You will lead manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, quality, and continuous improvement activities across the operation. This is a senior leadership role for someone who can balance productivity, safety, cost control, quality, and customer requirements.
You will work closely with senior management, supply chain teams, commercial leaders, and production managers to ensure the business operates efficiently and is prepared for future growth.
Why Work With Us?
The Environment:
Our Leeds operation provides a practical and collaborative manufacturing environment where senior leaders remain close to production teams and day-to-day operations.
Operational Influence:
You will have a direct role in shaping manufacturing strategy, investment priorities, workforce planning, and continuous improvement programmes.
Growth and Investment:
We are focused on improving production capacity, modernising equipment, reducing waste, and strengthening our position within the UK manufacturing sector.
Leadership Opportunity:
You will lead experienced operational teams while developing the next generation of production and engineering managers.
Key Responsibilities:
Manufacturing Strategy:
Develop and deliver the manufacturing operations strategy in line with commercial objectives, customer requirements, and long-term business plans.
Operational Leadership:
Oversee production, engineering, maintenance, quality, warehouse, and site support functions to ensure consistent operational performance.
Performance Management:
Establish and monitor key performance indicators covering productivity, downtime, output, waste, labour efficiency, quality, and customer service.
Continuous Improvement:
Lead lean manufacturing, process improvement, automation, and efficiency initiatives across the production environment.
Health and Safety:
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and workplace regulations.
Quality Management:
Work with the quality team to maintain product standards, improve manufacturing controls, and resolve recurring quality issues.
Budget Ownership:
Manage operational budgets, capital expenditure, staffing costs, and manufacturing improvement investments.
People Leadership:
Lead and develop production managers, engineering leaders, supervisors, and operational support teams.
Capacity Planning:
Ensure production capacity, staffing, materials, and equipment are aligned with current demand and future growth requirements.
Stakeholder Management:
Present operational performance, risks, investment proposals, and improvement plans to senior management and other key stakeholders.
What We Are Looking For:
Experience:
At least 8 years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including significant experience in a senior leadership position.
Industry Background:
Experience within plastics, packaging, polymers, injection moulding, extrusion, engineering, or a related manufacturing sector is highly desirable.
Leadership:
A proven record of leading multidisciplinary manufacturing teams and improving operational performance.
Operational Knowledge:
Strong understanding of production planning, maintenance, quality systems, health and safety, cost control, and continuous improvement.
Commercial Awareness:
The ability to connect operational decisions with customer requirements, profitability, service levels, and business growth.
Qualifications:
A degree or professional qualification in engineering, manufacturing, operations management, business management, or a related discipline is preferred.
Mindset:
You are practical, decisive, and improvement-focused. You can address immediate operational issues while maintaining a clear long-term strategy.
Pay: £92,577.00-£110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
