Company Profile:
A leading provider of high-quality print solutions, specializing in Printed Cartons for a niche market including the pharmaceutical sector. They pride themselves on their commitment to innovation, customer service, and delivering exceptional results. A dynamic and growing company looking for a talented and enthusiastic Managing Director to join their team in the northwest.
Title: Managing Director
Salary: Excellent Salary & Package
Purpose of job:
They are seeking a results-driven and operationally focused Managing Director to lead a mid-sized packaging manufacturing facility in Northwest England. This individual will oversee all aspects of plant operations, from production and logistics to quality, compliance and sales, with a strong emphasis on customer service, innovation, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the packaging industry, a track record of building high-performing teams, and a passion for continuous improvement in a dynamic, customer-led environment.
Key Accountabilities:
Plant & Operations Leadership
Lead day-to-day operations of the packaging plant, ensuring optimal production output, equipment uptime, and workflow efficiency.
Drive throughput and manufacturing effectiveness while minimizing waste and meeting strict quality standards.
Implement and manage operational best practices specific to packaging formats such in line reel fed lithographic printing.
Customer & Market Focus
Ensure on-time delivery and high-quality service to clients with demanding specifications and lead times.
Collaborate with commercial teams to align operations with customer demand forecasts and innovation pipelines.
Support product development and prototype testing through operational readiness and packaging trials.
People & Performance Management
Lead, develop, and mentor a team of department heads and supervisors across production, engineering, supply chain, and quality.
Promote a safety-first, performance-driven culture, including clear KPIs and accountability frameworks.
Manage labour planning, training programs, and succession planning to build organizational capability.
Financial Accountability
Take full ownership of plant P&L, budgeting, and forecasting.
Identify and implement cost control initiatives across raw materials, energy, waste, and maintenance.
Evaluate capital investment opportunities to enhance automation, sustainability, or production capacity.
Quality, Compliance & Sustainability
Ensure all processes meet health care and pharmaceutical codes of practice and accreditation. (e.g. ISO9001:2015 quality, PS9000:2016 and FSC)
Lead the plants quality assurance and audit readiness programs.
Champion sustainable practices across operations, including recycling, materials reduction, and energy efficiency.
Strategic Initiatives
Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or OEE metrics to increase plant performance.
Align site objectives with broader group strategy and innovation roadmap.
Lead change management initiatives during business transformation, growth, or system upgrades (e.g., ERP integration).
With a commercial bias, drive customer service and win new customers.
Skills & Competences:
Essential:
8+ years of senior operations or plant leadership experience in packaging manufacturing (e.g., corrugated, flexible, paperboard, plastic, or printed packaging).
Demonstrated ability to manage factory operations with customer-led manufacturing requirements.
Experience with quality and safety management systems relevant to packaging (e.g., ISO 9001, BRC, FSC, HACCP).
Proven financial and commercial acumen, including P&L responsibility and cost optimization.
Desirable:
Degree or HND in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Packaging Technology.
Experience with high-speed manufacturing lines, automation, and digital print technologies.
Familiarity with sustainability practices and ESG reporting within the packaging sector.
Background in supplying to healthcare, pharma, FMCG, or industrial clients.
Key Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and people development
Deep operational knowledge of packaging machinery and materials
Commercial awareness and client responsiveness
High-level problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
Data-driven mindset with continuous improvement orientation
Excellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder management skills
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