Job description
Working Pattern: This is a full-time role. The successful candidate will work from our facilities in South Wales 5 day per week. As such, the successful candidate will need to be located within commuting distance of Newport. There will also be a requirement to spend some time each month at group facilities in Nottingham.

Our Team: Independence Products Ltd (IPL) currently employs ~75 staff, with plans to rapidly expand. Head of Operations will report into the Chief Financial Officer and have management oversight of the Head of Manufacturing, Warehouse Manager, Production Manager and any relevant external consultants and vendors involved within their functional area(s).

How to Apply: If interested in pursuing this vacancy, please send your covering letter to explain your motivation to apply along with your CV and salary expectation to [email protected]. We will respond via email to your application to let you know if we would like to organise an initial interview or on this occasion have decided to decline your interest in this role. IPL is an equal opportunity employer, we believe in and promote diversity and inclusion as key values across our business.

Company Description

IPL is an established UK supplier of medical products designed to improve quality of life for patients with chronic medical conditions. IPL was established in 2006 and now employs ~75 UK employees who are all passionate about providing high-quality products that meet the individual needs of our customers. IPL provides services direct to patients whilst also selling through UK and European wholesale and distribution trade channels.

The Company initially focused on a range of products designed to overcome common problems experienced by patients living with a stoma. Over recent years, focus has shifted to help dialysis patients shower safely with the introduction of a range of specialist prescription products. As we grow, we also expect to be serving patients in Oncology and other therapeutic areas.

We have exciting plans to increase our footprint in the UK and Europe, by extending our reach both organically and via acquisition.

Role & Responsibilities

· This newly created role will provide overall responsibility and accountability for manufacturing, production and logistics across the UK. This role will report to the CFO and be part of the management team at IPL

· Executive oversight in planning for and ultimate responsibility for implementing group manufacturing, production and distribution strategy

· Deliver strategic operational goals to exceed customer expectations for product quality, cost and delivery whilst maximising efficiency, optimising production and driving operational excellence

· Work closely with key internal and external stakeholders to support group operations through technologically optimised solutions. Strive for best-in-class operations to efficiently deliver customer expectations, managing teams and projects business-wide.

· Provide clear leadership and vision. Inspire and motivate staff to achieve excellence whilst mentoring to develop new skills

· Determine, monitor and deliver improvement in KPI’s across all functional areas to ensure projects are delivered on cost and time to the highest quality standards

· Ensure H&S issues are prioritised and facilitated, direct and drive implementation of lean business strategy and drive continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility

· Identify and enhance working practices in manufacturing to futureproof the business; looking at areas such as automation, technology adoption and supply chain planning to bring best in class practice to your functional areas

· Lead on manufacturing and logistical ESG strategies as well as adding value to the overall business ESG strategy

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Development

· Overall responsibility for group manufacturing, production and logistics

· Create and implement best practice manufacturing plans, policies, process and procedure

· Ensure manufacturing strategies and processes are in place to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets

· Initiate and develop creative and innovative manufacturing processes

· Lead ESG transformation in terms of environmental manufacturing, production and logistics opportunities for IPL

· Work alongside the Head of Manufacturing to develop IPL’s QMS

General and Task Management:

· Lead, develop and implement variable efficiency and productivity programmes

· Implement a customer focused operational culture delivering world class service levels

· Optimise ROI on manufacturing capital

· Develop and manage the master production schedule and operational budgets to ensure that product is delivered to agreed cost, quality and timelines

· Plan and execute maintenance activity to ensure manufacturing P&M is kept safe and compliant

· Drive improvements in reliability for key aspects of machinery by completing reliability studies and identifying best planned maintenance strategies

· Operate a process for safe selection of external contractors. In conjunction with the CFO ensure all external maintenance contracts are regularly reviewed to ensure best value

· Provide manufacturing input at early stages in the new product development process (NPD)

· Coordinate with and support the NPD team to implement new and revised designs whilst developing effective processes to ensure manufacturing execution

· Manage the accurate and on-time introduction of new products

People Management:

· Provide leadership to direct reports. Coach, mentor and develop your team.

· Complete regular performance reviews, manage attendance, holidays, disciplinary issues and procedures as appropriate.

· Be a hands-on leader, switching seamlessly from strategy to execution

· Establish strategy and best practices for staff to ensure achievement of overall business objectives. Work with the teams to translate site strategy into specific annual performance goals and departmental objectives including KPIs, and ways to track and report on them.

· Ensure the function operates in accordance with any H&S and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.

· Responsible for developing the appropriate organisational structure, resource plans and culture to support business objectives and customer deliverables

Financial and Budget Management:

· Work with finance to input and take responsibility for operational budgeting

· With direction from the CFO, lead on operationally focused audits

· Input to the annual budgeting process and in-year reforecasts including all capital expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Relationship Management:

· Develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and vendors

· Proactively work with product line management, R&D, service and other departments to incorporate manufacturing best practices

· Provide regular report updates to the CEO and CFO, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of relevant metrics

Key Performance Indicators:

· Work collaboratively, negotiate and engage with key stakeholders to deliver on manufacturing strategy

· Communicate with stakeholders the impact of technology change and potential effects on supply. Recommend solutions without compromising quality or service while optimising cost.

Environmental:

· Review environmental strategies that impact future ways of operating and oversee successful implementation where relevant

· Review and opine on manufacturing and logistical options that support IPL’s ESG agenda

· Work to deliver IPL’s sustainability and governance goals under the ESG framework

Profile: We are looking for an individual who:

· Can inspire and motivate a wider team

· Is highly collaborative

· Consistently manages performance firmly and fairly, is transparent in all decision-making

· Is resilient, optimistic and open to change

· Is self-aware, seeks feedback and inspires wider teams to do the same

· Shows moral courage, openness and honesty in all dealings

Skills and Attributes:

· 10+ years’ management experience in manufacturing environments

· Excellent relationship management skills with ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers

· Good communication, interpersonal and influencing skills

· Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

· Hands-on individual, willing to get involved not just oversee

· Results orientated with ability to plan and deliver against deadlines

· Commercially and financially astute, able to manage budgets

· Technical mindset but able to engage and communicate at all levels

· Appreciation of and ability to positively resolve issues arising from different cultures

Qualifications and Experience Levels:

· Educated to degree level (preferably Masters) in a relevant engineering or manufacturing discipline or equivalent NVQ Level 7 qualification

· Demonstrable experience of leading a manufacturing function for 5+ years with a proven track record in strategic manufacturing leadership delivering effective manufacturing strategies, policies, processes and systems.

· The candidate will come from a medical product manufacturing background and have detailed understanding of the environment IPL works within

· The ideal candidate will be able to oversee new product development workstreams

· Experience of operating and influencing at a strategic level

· Experience of scoping and relocating manufacturing operations would be helpful

· Knowledge and technical understanding of automation, processes, components and manufacturing techniques

What do we offer in return?

IPL is committed to recognising and rewarding our employees to retain the best people. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and the opportunity to be part of something meaningful; both for our patients’ and employee's lives. More information will be shared on the Head of Operations package at first round of interview stage.