Operations Director

Lead the Future of Manufacturing on the Stunning North Devon Coast

Smurfit Westrock Atlas

Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in sustainable paper-based packaging, operating across 40 countries with over 100,000 employees. Its Barnstaple business, Smurfit Westrock Atlas, designs and manufactures innovative corrugated packaging solutions for customers across the eCommerce, food & drink, retail and consumer sectors. With continued investment in automation, sustainability and operational excellence, this is an exciting opportunity to join a market-leading manufacturer at a pivotal stage of its growth.

Operations Director | Barnstaple, Devon

Reporting to the General Manager, you''ll lead the strategic direction and operational performance of two manufacturing sites and a warehouse operation, with overall responsibility for around 140 employees. Working alongside an experienced leadership team, you''ll shape investment plans, drive continuous improvement, optimise capacity and productivity, and develop the long-term operational strategy. This is a highly influential senior leadership role where you''ll balance strategic decision-making with a visible presence on the shop floor, ensuring the business continues to deliver exceptional quality, service and operational performance.

The Candidate

We''re looking for an experienced manufacturing leader who can think strategically while remaining highly visible and engaged with the operation. You''ll ideally have:

• Proven leadership experience within a large-scale manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Previous experience as a Plant Manager, Plant Director, Site Director or Operations Director.
• A track record of delivering strategic transformation, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience influencing investment and business decisions.
• The ability to lead, develop and inspire multi-disciplinary leadership teams through growth and change.
• Experience driving performance through data, KPIs and continuous improvement methodologies.
• A hands-on leadership style, comfortable engaging with teams on the shop floor while maintaining a strategic, business-wide perspective.
• A passion for developing people, building high-performing teams and creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and safety.

Why Join Smurfit Westrock?

• Competitive salary - negotiable for the right candidate
• Discretionary bonus of up to 15%
• Employer pension contribution of 6%
• Relocation support available
• Outstanding leadership development and career progression within a global organisation
• Free on-site gym and subsidised canteen
• Cycle to Work scheme
• 24/7 confidential employee and family support programme

Why Relocate to North Devon?

Enjoy an exceptional quality of life in one of the UK''s most desirable coastal locations. Barnstaple offers award-winning beaches, Exmoor National Park, excellent schools, welcoming communities and a lower cost of living than many major cities. It''s a rare opportunity to combine a rewarding executive career with an outstanding lifestyle