The key activities outlined below represent an overview only of the position of Plant Leader, based on site at the Redditch Plant. Strong and visible leadership skills are vital, together with initiative in identifying and focusing on financial performance and profitability, service levels, continuous improvement, operational excellence, growth, profitability and business leadership. Key tasks will include inspiring, leading and motivating a large and diverse team of people across production, planning, distribution, customer service and logistics. Good planning, analytical and forecasting skills are needed to ensure excellent service delivery to a diverse customer base. Accountable for all operational performance metrics (safety, quality, cost, people and delivery).
The successful candidate must have a strong track record of achievement in a fast moving manufacturing / production / operations related environment and be both financially and commercially astute.
Specific Responsibilities
- Develops annual revenue and manufacturing plan in consultation with other senior-level unit leaders to ensure proper deployment of resources to achieve required levels of production and to meet customer delivery requirements.
- Provides positive leadership to subordinate managers and to all assigned employees. Ensure open communications and respond to employee concerns in an appropriate manner. Promote a trustful and speak up culture. Seeks to improve the knowledge, skill and ability of people. Deals proactively with substandard performance.
- Ensures full compliance with EHS standards, policies, procedures and processes as they apply to area of accountability. Confirms that incidents are thoroughly investigated and that root causes are identified and remedied on a systematic basis. Fosters a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
- Ensures full compliance with Quality standards, policies, procedures and processes in a very demanding aerospace environment. Confirms that non-quality events (customer return, internal scrap and loses, internal and external audit findings, … ) are thoroughly investigated and that root causes are identified and remedied on a systematic basis. Manage with the highest diligence customer issues (claims, returns, …).
- Interfaces directly with key customers, in concert with Sales & Marketing Management and Account Managers to resolve problems related to delivery, quality and other issues. Strives to address customer concerns in a responsive, professional manner while protecting the interests of the Company.
- Coordinates activities with other departments such as Sales & Marketing, Purchasing, Finance, Information Systems, and Human Resources. Secure required resources and consultative support from staff departments as required.
- Continually improves the performance of the Manufacturing organization through the application of Continues Improvement / Lean Manufacturing principles to drive down costs and improve location financial and operational performance. This includes the application of specific techniques such as kaizen rapid improvement events and the development of a Continuous Improvement mindset within the Manufacturing organization.
- Participates with Purchasing personnel to develop partnerships with vendors which produce mutually beneficial arrangements related to purchased item quality and pricing. Ensures that concerns and issues related to purchased resources are addressed and resolved in a timely manner.
- Interacts positively and effectively with personnel, both internal and external to the organization. This may include factory floor personnel, management at various levels throughout Howmet. Participates in external activities to secure a positive community image of the Company.
- Provides technical manufacturing assistance to other components of the organization, including Howmet businesses both externally and internal to HFS.
- Analyzes and directs the preparation of Capital Appropriation Requests to secure required capital equipment for projects meeting or exceeding capital return targets.
- Directs the activities of assigned human resources and makes recommendations on hiring and retention initiatives
Company Responsibilities:
- Maintain full compliance with Howmet policies and procedures and conduct all activities in accordance with the Howmet Guide to Business Conduct.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of and commitment to Continuous Improvement principles and techniques.
Education
- Degree educated in a technical or financial discipline or equivalent experience.
Experience & Background
- At least 5 years’ demonstrated business leadership success in a technical manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of a broad range of industries and markets including the automotive, industrial transportation, automated warehousing, green energy industries as well as emerging Industrial fastener markets.
- Working knowledge of financial principles.
- Experience of working within KPI framework.
Person specification
- Natural leader with the ability effectively lead, coach and engage people at all levels within the organisation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Professional approach with the ability to network and develop effective working relationships at all levels
- Strong business acumen and commercial awareness
- Can do attitude, with a determined and positive outlook
- Calm and methodical, with the ability to make decisions in a timely manner
- Logical approach to analyzing and resolving problems
- Able to think laterally and is open to new ideas and change
- Strong strategic planning and organizational abilities
- IT Literate – MS Office
- Able and willing to travel nationally and internationally to fulfil the requirements of the role
Performance Management/Review
Competence in the role will be based on the incumbent’s ability to meet the requirements set out in the job description and display the behaviors outlined in the person specification. The performance review tool will be used to support this process.
