Business Manager

Overview

Morgan Advanced Materials is a business rich in history and innovation. Founded in the UK in 1856, we have grown into a global organisation with 70 sites in 18 countries. Our model to serve our customers where they need us has led to a diversified product range using our unparalleled expertise in ceramic and carbon materials, which we exploit to solve difficult problems for our customers across a diverse range of markets.

 

We are a purpose driven organisation. Our purpose is to use advanced materials to make the world more sustainable and to improve the quality of life. We deliver on that purpose through the products that we make, and the way that we make them.

 

The Thermal Ceramics division designs, manufactures and installs a broad range of thermal insulation products that significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions in a variety of high temperature processing applications. Our product offering is extensive and covers application needs from Industrial to Commercial markets.

 

Key Figures: Revenue £1,100.7m (2024), ~8,000 employees, manufacturing in 20+ countries, and a global customer portfolio. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK.  Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.

 

Responsibilities

Job Purpose

The Business Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and operational excellence of a manufacturing facility and supporting roles in the business. This role oversees safety, quality, production, commercial sales, maintenance, supply chain coordination, and workforce management to ensure the site meets business objectives related to productivity, cost, quality, delivery, and employee engagement. The Business Manager establishes vision and strategy for the Mexico operation and drives continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Management

• Lead all daily manufacturing operations to ensure production targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules are achieved.
• Develop and execute site operational plans aligned with business goals.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Optimize production processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase capacity.

Leadership & People Management

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development for production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and support teams.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Partner with Human Resources on performance management, employee relations, and organizational development.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Lead safety programs, audits, investigations, and corrective action plans.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, quality, and company standards.

Quality Management

• Ensure products meet customer requirements and quality standards.
• Collaborate with quality teams to establish and maintain robust quality systems.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action programs.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage site budgets and operating expenses.
• Monitor financial performance and implement cost reduction initiatives.
• Support capital expenditure planning and project execution.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Drive process improvements that enhance productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Foster a culture focused on innovation and problem-solving.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Partner with customers, suppliers, and corporate leadership to achieve business objectives.
• Support customer audits and key business reviews.
• Communicate site performance, opportunities, and risks to senior management.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk production floors regularly and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety performance (TRIR, lost-time incidents)
• Production output and efficiency
• On-time delivery
• Quality metrics and customer complaints
• Labor productivity
• Cost reduction and budget performance
• Employee engagement and retention
• Continuous improvement project results

Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Expertise in manufacturing operations, production planning, and process optimization.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and manufacturing performance metrics.

Education and experience - Minimum level of education and experience required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 8–15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 5+ years of plant, site, or operations management experience.
• Experience managing multi-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of operational improvement and cost management.

Morgan Advanced Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Ind-1