Operations Support Manager PM

Drive Performance. Support Operations. Champion Continuous Improvement. At DS Smith, we're redefining packaging for a changing world through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. We're looking for a proactive and hands-on Operations Support Manager PM6 to join our team at Kemsley Mill. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you'll play a key role in supporting the day-to-day performance of the asset, ensuring operational priorities are executed effectively while driving improvements in safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost.

Working closely with Operations, Engineering, and Process teams, you'll help create a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement across the operation.

As Operations Support Manager, you'll provide visible operational leadership across PM3/PM6, supporting Senior Shift Managers, Machine Leaders, and operational teams to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient performance. You'll analyse operational data, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure actions are implemented and sustained to achieve business objectives. This is an ideal opportunity for an aspiring manufacturing leader who thrives on problem-solving, coaching teams, and driving operational excellence in a fast-paced process manufacturing environment.

• Operational Performance & Continuous Improvement Support day-to-day operational performance across the asset.
• Monitor performance data, identify losses, and drive improvement actions.
• Lead structured problem solving and Root Cause Analysis activities.
• Promote Standard Work, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Safety, Quality & Environmental Excellence Champion a strong safety culture and high operational standards.
• Support compliance with Safe Systems of Work, quality requirements, and environmental standards.
• Drive 5S, housekeeping, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Asset Reliability & Operational Support Work collaboratively with Operations, Engineering, and Process teams to improve asset reliability and performance.
• Support maintenance planning, shutdown activities, and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Help identify and eliminate recurring equipment and operational issues.
• Cost & Performance Management Monitor operational performance, resource utilisation, and key cost drivers.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimise operating costs.
• Support delivery of operational budgets and performance targets.
• People & Team Development Coach and support operational teams to achieve high performance.
• Encourage ownership, accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Support training, skills development, and operational capability building.

We’re looking for an engaged and visible manufacturing professional who enjoys working closely with operational teams to improve performance, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement. You’ll have a passion for operational excellence and a track record of delivering results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Experience in a continuous manufacturing or process industry environment.
• Previous experience in an operational, supervisory, or manufacturing leadership role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing performance measures, operational standards, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using operational data to identify losses, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Knowledge of Root Cause Analysis, problem solving techniques, Standard Work, and 5S principles.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across multiple functions and teams.
• Excellent…