Production Director

This role is predominantly concentrated around 4 focal areas.

1) Making sure all Assembly processes are structured and optimized in accordance with corporate standards (Gate OPEX) and Local opportunities (General LEAN, CI thinking);

2) Making sure Productivity and Efficiency is optimized by ensuring optimal Rosters/Schedules and proactive short/medium term Labor Planning on the basis of proposals received (by the OPC/Local Supply Chain Process) and daily use of the OPRS tool.

3) Making sure all assembly processes comply with HACCP, Customer Specs/requirements and other relevant safety and security regulations and policies.

4) Making sure the Assembly leadership team is continuously developed via proactive coaching, involvement, feedback and a strong performance management approach.

As a key member of the Unit Senior Leadership team, this role is also expected to actively engage in the overall development and improvement of the entire Unit - Especially in respect to production/labor planning and People Management.

Given the responsibilities and general nature of this role the individual will have multiple cross functional touch points – Assembly interlinks with all other processes and hence good coordination and collaborations is essential. Especially the individual is expected to work closely together with the Supply Chain Process Director and HR.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Overall leadership and coordination of the 3 operating areas within Assembly: Wash & Pack; Make & Pack and Pick & Pack.
• Structure and process optimization (Work stations, floor map, work processes)
• Proactive and fact-based Labor planning (Short, Medium and longer term) in close cooperation with the Supply Chain Process:
• For hiring needs (Longer term)
• For Optimal Rosters/Schedules (Medium term)
• For short term labor planning to adjust hours needed (Daily/Weekly)
• QA compliance
• HACCP
• Customer Specs and requirements
• Drives engagement by providing and keeping a strong focus in development of the Assembly leadership team, especially in respect to:
• Coaching
• Involvement
• Feedback
• Consistent and persistent Performance Management
• Drives Cross training of staff to increase flexibility within the Assembly process; establishes and maintains skills matrix for optimization of rosters and ongoing labour planning.
• Coordinates with other operational areas of the unit to ensure optimal service for both internal and external customers.
• Ensures all activities and output are in compliance with customer specs (Volume and Quality)
• Promotes, develops and supports continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives (like for ex. GateOpex, Central and Local CI programs etc.).
• Aligns, implements and continues to facilitate improvements to the agreed US/Group standard process’ (Whether forecasting, Planning, IDS interfaces etc.). Including best practice sharing with Assembly Process peers and the Supply Chain Function/OP&C.
• Aligns material and labor targets together with the Supply Chain Process – I.e. serves as a strong sparring partner in respect to the forecasting and planning process (including the alignment of the MPS of the Unit).
• Responsible for setting up (including delegation and communication) KPIs within the area and be a strong facilitator/driver of the use of OPRS/active Labor Planning within all the Assembly processes.
• Accountable for departmental financial indicators (Hours, waste, Spec compliance).
• Manages productivity and efficiency – I.e. responsible for labor adjustments to increase productivity (on the basis of proposals and departmental insights) and meet/beat targets.
• Captures, tracks, analyses and ensures correction of incidences (I.F.B.L. throughout own Department).
• Resource optimization in the Department through process improvement, lean and continuous improvement principles - Drives and performs continuous improvement in the area and in collaboration with other departments, both operational and support functions, especially with the Forecasting/Planning and IDS departments.
• Participation in customer and authority audits
• Ensures compliance of procedures for Hygiene and Food Safety
• Actively recognizes good performance in the team and promote the company reward and recognition scheme – People First behavior and actions.
• Continuously improves quality and efficiency of the team.
• Resolves conflicts and provides solutions by exercising high levels of influencing, negotiation and communication skills. Be proactive and address issues when they appear.
• Serves as an operational and management source of expertise, and contributes to the success of the unit/senior management team as a whole – By supporting associated and unit wide initiatives.
• Organizes and leads operational meetings (Leadership team meetings and Assembly staff meetings)
• Supervises and supports lower level managers/supervisors on daily operations including:
• Conducts performance evaluations for employees providing specific and detailed feedback on their management and leadership skills and the attainment of their respective goals and objectives
• Ensures compliance with company Wage & Hour policy, including ensuring employees get the rest & meal breaks and ensuring company processes are followed.
• Trains and monitors employees on proper work procedures to ensure maximum productivity with minimum labor and food expenses.
• Monitors daily manpower planning and schedules employees.
• Responsible for employee retention and reducing employee turnover.
• Responsible for coaching, counseling and preparing corrective actions for employees in compliance with the applicable union/collective bargaining agreement(s).
• Reviews and ensures employees in chain of command are in correct cost centers and correct job titles.
• Reviews and ensures union represented employees’ pay rates are correct based on wage scales and seniority.
• Compliance with all company required policies, procedures and processes including but not limited to required training

Education:

• Bachelors’ degree in a relevant subject or business management is preferable
• Desirable specialization in Operational and People Management

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience working within Operations in a “manufacturing environment”
• Experience providing leadership through a middle management layer
• Experience of managing a team of more than 100 people
• Experience in change management projects
• Experience of process improvement is a plus.
• Experience of working in a Food Hygiene/Health & Safety/High Security environment preferred.
• Previous knowledge of Airline Catering operations is preferred, essential.

Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration)

• Strong People Manager
• Empathetic and Open minded – hence determined and persistent
• Resilient and well-rounded individual
• Team player who believes in structured Performance and Talent Management
• Planning and coordination – Ability to oversee multiple activities at the same time
• Continuous improvement mindset – Flexible and embracing change
• Self-motivated & Proactive
• IT literate, basic level of MS Office and general SAP understanding.

Language / Communication Skills:

• Excellent communicator – Whether “one to one” or “on the beer case”
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities

Experience:

• Management: 7 years (Required)
• Manufacturing facility: 7 years (Required)
• Food industry: 7 years (Required)
• Process improvement: 7 years (Required)
• Employee relations: 7 years (Required)