Operations Manager, ekaterra

Job Title: Operations Manager Work Location: Trafford Park, Factory WL: 2C Job Type: Full Time Travel required: None Who we are…and what we do With an annual turnover of around €2bn, ekaterra is the world’s largest tea business, with world-class, purpose-driven brands such as Lipton, Pukka, Tazo, T2 and PG Tips. ‘eka’ is a word taken from the Sanskrit language which means unity and one purpose, while ‘terra’ represents the earth and nature. As ekaterra we are truly united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants. In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the ekaterra business from its previous owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, ekaterra is even better positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the wider world. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, ekaterra is a profitable and growing business whose brands reach hundreds of millions of consumers. It has a presence in over 100 countries. Under the ownership of CVC, ekaterra has an exciting future ahead with opportunities for increased investments in our iconic brands, our people, and our capabilities. Combining the strength and scale of our brands with a focus on speed and agility, ekaterra is brewing a corporate start-up mindset that’s opening-up new opportunities for its people to flourish every day. At ekaterra, we put consumer love at the heart of every decision. We celebrate diverse thinkers who take personal ownership to connect ideas and make impactful things happen; people who share our values around humanity and courage and give their commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of all. In return, we offer a working culture that gives our people freedom and flexibility, and where they can grow both personally and professionally to master their field. Be part of our amazing blend. Come and grow yourself and, in turn, help us to grow a world of wellbeing. Trafford Park site manufacturers PG tips, Lyons, Scottish Blend and Pukka predominantly for UKI markets. Your Role The Operations Manager has overall responsibility for managing manufacturing to deliver operational excellence with safety and quality as key priorities. Performance will be driven through TPM with a passion for eliminating losses and improving efficiencies. The Operations team consists of 5 first line managers who have approx. 120 reports. There are 2 major projects due to be implemented in 2023

• New packing equipment in black tea - €25m investment
• New SAP system

The Operations Manager will be expected to play a major role in the successful implementation of these key projects. This is an opportunity to be involved in the transformation of the site. Your Key Tasks

• To successfully manage a high volume, flexible manufacturing operation on a day-to-day basis
• Proactively lead the manufacturing team, with a strong focus on people development
• To achieve Sourcing Unit result (Business Plan) for the site
• To drive OEE improvements and achieve the Sourcing Unit efficiency targets
• To manage employee relations to ensure high engagement levels in unit
• To own and drive Autonomous Maintenance Pillar within TPM
• To achieve customer service targets in unit
• To achieve safety standards in unit
• To achieve quality standards in unit
• Manage the operations (manufacturing and maintenance) of the factory
• Manage and respond on factory service levels, efficiencies, quality compliance, OSHE compliance and cost compliance
• Lead Factory improvement programmes leveraging and best practice approaches by identifying new safety techniques, efficiency initiatives and cost saving and development opportunities to improve factory performance
• Successfully implement HR policies and procedures
• Support implementation of innovation within the factory and deliver to agreed ramp up plans
• To continually improve manufacturing processes yields and performance through the development of people, systems and the effective utilisation of capital investment.
• Understand and react to the wider needs of the business versus those of the Plant.
• Build and develop relationships at all levels across the manufacturing function in order to spark ideas for continuous improvement.
• A key member of the leadership team and therefore is also accountable, with other members of the team, for the delivery of the Site Masterplan and other KPIs
• Responsible for creating and driving performance culture within the manufacturing environment

Skills and Experience Essential:

• Significant knowledge in delivering a highly efficient production operation to the required levels of quality, hygiene and safety within a FMCG environment.
• Previous manufacturing and technical people-leadership experience
• Change management
• Focused improvement
• High levels employee relations/engagement
• ER within a unionised environment

Preferred / Desirable:

• Experience working in a Food / Refreshments environment

Who we are looking for ekaterra is made up of a special blend of individuals which make our teams exciting and diverse. To be part of our blend we are looking for individuals who think Green and are environmentally conscious, who understand the power of simplicity and who are accountable for their actions. We want those who infuse mastery and passion in everything they do to create great products and unforgettable experiences for our consumers.
What we can offer you Not only do we offer a competitive salary, but also our pension scheme, an annual bonus and hybrid working. You’ll get the opportunity to work directly with a renowned and exciting brand in a flexible and agile environment. We strive to achieve a family-friendly culture and to, above all, create possibilities for all. We believe that growth is for everyone, we believe in growing leaders, and we believe in making space to grow an owner’s mentality. Like nature, we adapt, we change and we grow. We believe in connections over hierarchies and work levels. We have a 'corporate start-up' approach; we act with speed and agility and we have the strength and scale of a large corporation. We are building a better world of wellbeing, and a better you. Excited about the Role? Please apply online by clicking on “Apply” below. Your application will be reviewed against our requirements. Should you not meet our immediate requirements, your profile will be registered in our talent pool system and we will match your profile to suitable future vacancies. You will be able to access your status update through the candidate tracking link. Thank you for your interest and application. Should you require additional information, please contact Toyin Danmole via this email: Toyin.Danmole@ekaterratea.com . ekaterra is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.