INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

Operations Director

Plastics Manufacturing

Based West Yorkshire

Job ref: CST/64758

Salary: Attractive and commensurate with experience

The Client:

We are proud to be retained to recruit the new role of Operations Director for Really Useful Products – one of the major manufacturing success stories in the UK plastics industry. Since its inception in the late 90’s, the company has seen impressive growth and now has two leading edge manufacturing sites. As it continues to invest in the latest state of the art injection moulding machinery, the company is well positioned to continue excel as the leading UK plastics manufacturer.

Really Useful Products are manufacturers of plastic storage containers and have created a brand that is synonymous with innovation and manufacturing excellence combined with a service that is highly responsive, flexible and attuned to customer needs.

This really is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious, demanding and curious manufacturing professional. Someone who is looking for a career where they can join a progressive company and be part of a major success story. We are seeking applications from candidates who are highly self-driven, lead by example, hands-on, lateral thinkers that positively challenge the status quo and passionate about British manufacturing.

Primary role:

Take responsibility for leading all operations across two sites including production, logistics, maintenance and health & safety.Further develop and implement modern manufacturing processes; providing a vision to the operational team, gaining buy-in and aimed at continually improving and challenging operational performance. This is a hands-on ‘roll your sleeves up role’.

Key responsibilities:

• Operational budgetary management
• Responsible for a factory workforce of c250 people across production, engineering, process, H&S, and warehouse
• Overall operational responsibility for manufacturing, SHE and quality targets
• Take a helicopter view to assess current systems, operational structure and working practices putting in place a development plan where further positive improvements can be made
• Provide guidance, support and direction to subordinates; setting expectations, managing performance feedback and implementing training plans
• Work closely with direct reports to ensure a well-trained/motivated workforce
• Ensure continuous improvement of production efficiency, changeovers, quality, cost, delivery and service levels. Communicate and monitor appropriate performance measures for the factory
• Lead the implementation of operational excellence activities
• Contribute to the future strategic planning of the business
• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment
• Holding regular team and one-to-one meetings with all direct reports to ensure effective communication of information and provision of feedback
• Recruiting, selecting, developing, motivating and retaining appropriate talent for the operations team

Key Experience required:

• Graduate level – Degree/equivalent in technical or engineering qualification
• Broad operational experience in a technical manufacturing environment with demanding customers
• High level leadership and people management skills through a mentoring/coaching style
• Knowledge of polymer processing would be advantageous but not essential
• Good knowledge of modern manufacturing systems/techniques and experience of implementation
• Capable of managing operational projects from concept to completion
• Dynamic change management approach with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and optimizing production efficiencies

Personality traits:

• Passionate, driven, ambitious, career-oriented
• Leads from the front (hands-on) and by example
• Curious and creative – constantly seeking new ways to improve
• Confidence to challenge the status quo
• Team oriented, personable, likeable, dependable and open minded
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• Good problem solving skills and analytical way of thinking
• Ability to think big picture

The successful candidate will find themselves in a dynamic and rewarding career, which will be heavily involved in shaping and driving the business into the future.

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.

For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.

Why select Listgrove?

• Five Decades of Market Intelligence
• Unrivalled Industry Networks
• Recognised International brand
• HR Qualified Professionals

Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:

Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.

Please visit www.listgrove.com for more information on our services, global success and testimonials.

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