Operations Manager

Element Six is a global leader in the design, development and production of synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide super materials. Part of the De Beers Group, we employ over 1,900 people. Our primary manufacturing sites are located in the UK, Ireland, Germany, South Africa, and the US.

Our mission

We strive to deliver extreme performance through the development of cutting-edge synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide solutions.

Our history

Since 1959, our focus has been on developing the diamond synthesis process to enable innovative synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide solutions. As well as being the planet’s hardest material, diamond’s extreme and diverse properties give it high tensile strength, chemical inertness, broad optical transmission and very high thermal conductivity.

Our vision

With access to the most sophisticated R&D technology and the best minds in the business, the future is full of possibilities.

Employment Equity & Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to fostering a vibrant workplace culture that is inclusive and embraces our diversity, where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential and thrive.

You can find out more about who we are and what we do on our website:
e6.com/en/about/corporate-information

Job overview

• Element Six would like to recruit for the position of Operations Manager.
• This is a leadership role within a highly technical, 24/7 advanced manufacturing environment, requiring the ability to balance safety, quality, delivery and cost while leading multidisciplinary teams through rapid operational challenges and continuous improvement initiatives.
• The successful candidate will take responsibility for managing a production team, and efficient interfacing with maintenance, supply chain, external suppliers, site-based support functions and other CVD & HPHT sites to deliver production targets on time and within budget.
• The Operations Manager operates within a matrix structure, reporting locally to the Senior Operations Manager for site leadership, people management and organisational priorities, while reporting functionally to the Head of CVD Operations for operational performance, technical standards, capacity planning and cross-site alignment.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Responsible for safety and occupational health of all department employees in a 24/7 work environment.
• Provide overall vision & leadership and motivate investment needs for the department to deliver results.
• Key member of the leadership team, contributing to site strategy, investment planning, operational excellence initiatives and long-term capability development. Influence decision-making across multiple functions and CVD manufacturing sites.
• Hold responsibility for the operational cost, production volumes, planning and Quality KPI’s for the processing of CVD and Mechanical products.
• Interact with Sales colleagues as required to support commercial endeavours ensuring the relevant Quality standards are in place to meet their needs.
• Work closely with cross functional teams including supply chain, engineering, customer service and R&D to deliver results.
• Management of the procurement, processing and delivery functions for the department.
• Deliver continuous improvement within the department using Business Excellence tools, processes, and concepts.
• Responsible for the delivery of the department budget.
• Lead, motivate and develop a team to achieve strategic objectives.
• Management of the operational team including recruitment and development.

• 10 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment and 5 years as a functional leader.
• Degree in Engineering, Business or equivalent.
• Proven track record as a leader who has delivered results.
• Role will involve travel on occasion.
• Literate in use of MS Office and systems.
• Project management skills and good technical understanding.
• Ability to work in a fast-moving environment and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to lead change.
• Ability to stay focused on the problem being solved and consider the impact of individual decisions across the organisation.