INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.
Operations Project Manager
Engineering & Continuous Improvement Focus
Site-based in Calne, Wiltshire
Ref: AZ/63867
Join a globally recognized leader in sustainable building materials, with a history spanning over 80 years and a footprint in 91 countries. This provides you with an exciting opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role, driving operational transformation, embedding Six Sigma methodologies, and delivering critical projects that shape the future of UK operations.
This is a top 3 global player in sustainable home construction. In the UK, they operate a lean and agile team of 160 people across a £60m business unit. With investment in modernisation and operational excellence, now is the perfect time to join and influence the next phase of growth.
Overview:
As Operations Project Manager, you will be expected to take a holistic view of the operations and lead complex engineering and operations projects from concept to execution, focusing on projects which could include digitalisation, capex planning, continuous improvement (CI), and process optimisation. You’ll report to the General Manager and manage two pivotal departments: Maintenance (8 direct reports) and Quality (7 direct reports).
Core Responsibilities:
* Lead full-cycle project management: scoping, planning, execution, delivery
* Develop structured project tracking tools, timelines, KPIs, milestones
* Champion Six Sigma and lean manufacturing practices to improve process efficiency
* Manage and develop high-performing maintenance and quality teams
* Collaborate cross-functionally with production, HSE, and leadership teams
* Evaluate operational data to drive smart, cost-effective decisions
* Deliver regular project updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership
* Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and operational excellence
Required Experience and Skills:
* Management or operations professional with experience in manufacturing, technical services, or project leadership
* Proven track record of managing cross-functional projects in a high-volume, process-driven environment
* Strong understanding of continuous improvement, lean principles, and Six Sigma (certified or practical experience)
* Exposure to implementing machine, engineering efficiencies
* Natural leader with the ability to engage, motivate and develop teams
* Excellent communicator with strong data literacy and analytical ability
* Detail-oriented, hands-on, and solutions-focused
* Comfortable working under pressure and managing multiple priorities
* Familiar with plastic or polymer processing (a plus, not essential)
Work Schedule
* 39 hours per week
* Mon–Thurs: 08:30–17:00 (flexible)
* Fri: 08:30–16:00 (flexible)
Ready to lead transformation from the ground up and help shape the future of manufacturing operations in one of the UK’s most forward-thinking industrial teams.
Please apply for this position and have further details, please email your full CV and salary information to:
Andy Zanin - Business Director
T: +44 (0) 1789 207070
E: andy.zanin@listgrove.com
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.
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Why select Listgrove?
* Five Decades of Market Intelligence
* Unrivalled Industry Networks
* Recognised International brand
* HR Qualified Professionals
To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.
Throughout 2025, you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:
Packaging Innovations, JEC World, European Coatings Show, Plastics Live UK, The advanced materials show UK, Kunststoffenbeurs, K2025
Performance through People.
Please visit www.listgrove.com for more information on our services, global success and testimonials.
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