Nurturing a safe, organised, and happy workplace.
At Dura, we’re committed to providing industry-leading flooring products and services, underpinned by lean processes and a productive and happy workplace. Our commitments in this area have led to us recently being shortlisted in the Operational Excellence category of The Manufacturer MX Awards 2024!
In the newly created role of Head of Operations, we’ve appointed leadership specialist and corporate psychologist, Steve Wood. Interested in Steve’s background and experience, and how he plans to enhance our operational excellence? This article will give insight into his professional background, and what you can expect from us in the coming months!
Why is Steve the best choice for this position?
While developing his training and project management skills as a Technical Trainer for the German manufacturing giant Man Roland, Steve completed a BA Degree in Leadership & Management and began studying the nature of learning – particularly, human engagement.
His next ten years were spent with NewsUK, where he implemented a full L&D strategy and system from scratch, delivering training and qualifications to over 300 staff. He played an integral role in changing the culture at NewsUK, which was recognised when the company won the internationally acclaimed Shingo Prize. His personal learning and development continued outside of his role at NewsUK, completing a Master’s Degree in Leading the Lean Enterprise (OpEx).
Steve then set up his own company, offering management and leadership training and qualifications, coaching services, and consultancy. This endeavour led him to work with some incredible companies, including John Lewis, Hewlett Packard, BAE, and Coveris. Over the past five years, Steve has supported us at Dura in coaching, training, and running CMI qualifications, making it an easy decision when we offered him the role of Head of Operations.
Steve has also recently completed a Master’s Degree in Psychology, further expanding his understanding of human motivation and relationships, and how that translates into leadership.
What is the Head of Operations role?
As Head of Operations, Steve will be responsible for 55 staff including CAM/CNC, precision cutting, distribution, transport and installation, while playing a key role in supporting functions such as planning, continuous improvement, health & safety and compliance. Steve will also be part of the Senior Leadership Team responsible for setting and delivering strategy.
Within his role at Dura, Steve aims to create world-class facilities with a creative and motivated Operations Team, delivering world-class manufacturing performance with a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
With the success of Steve’s responsibilities and goals, we will have a safe, organised, happy workplace that people are proud of. We’ll be able to meet customer orders quicker, not only increasing our profit as a company but also nurturing and improving the experience of our customers.
Everyone at Dura is very excited to welcome Steve to our team and to see what the future has in store for the company. Watch this space!
