John Ensinger
Leadership Management
Filby,Great Yarmouth
Summary
Accomplished professional leader with extensive expertise in business turnaround and development, manufacturing optimisation, and supply chain management. Demonstrates a strong track record in sales growth, market development, and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in implementing change management strategies and fostering supplier relationships to drive innovation and problem-solving. Proficient in advanced Excel and Office applications, with a focus on risk assessment and health safety compliance. Committed to leadership development and adaptable work styles to achieve organisational goals.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work history
General Manager
Wrightform
Diss
2023.12 - 2026.02
- Head hunted to come in and bring improve profits for business.
- Family-owned business, worked heavily on four areas of business to turn it around.
- Company was forecasting loss, this was due to recent acquisitions that over stretched business and some acquisitions were causing major impacts in production on getting orders through.
- Sorted out machine issues within first few months, increased Gross margins from 30% to 35.5% over next few years. Increased shop floor morale and involvement with goals of business, had company back into profit within 3 months.
- Managed overall performance of Production through Laser, Polishing, Folding, Fabrication CNC , and Welding departments.
- Hosted open days for company and promoted offering that were able to provide for customers. Through this effort and clear direction on company goals and mission increased sales by over 1.2 million.
- Did 3-month review of all suppliers and introduced consignment stock whilst also reducing number of suppliers. This then reduced costs by 8% to 20% on various products whilst also improving offering and reducing damage to material handling.
- Over saw and managed project to find next Laser machine. Over 4 months, went and saw 16 different laser companies in marketplace to establish which machines would be suitable for business. This also included looking at ERP systems that could also run different machines from different companies. Worked with Suffolk council on obtaining 100k grant for new machine.
- Introduced new welding and fabrication team onsite to reduce costs for one client that had been working closely with.
- Identified new business opportunities, leading to market expansion.
- Achieved customer satisfaction with regular feedback and improvement sessions.
- Defined company direction through careful strategic planning.
- Fostered high-performance culture, resulting in increased productivity.
- Regularly reviewed performance data, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Developed strategic business plans, enhancing corporate vision and objectives.
- Introduced effective cost control measures, reducing unnecessary expenditure.
- Implemented rigorous financial controls, improving overall profitability.
- Streamlined communication processes for improved team collaboration.
- Established positive work environment which promoted staff morale and productivity.
- Oversaw all aspects of daily operations, ensuring smooth running of organisation.
- Delivered results under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- Successfully negotiated contracts with suppliers to reduce costs.
- Improved staff retention with robust HR policies and procedures.
- Built high-performing teams to achieve organisational objectives.
- Increased overall operational efficiency by implementing new management strategies.
- Directed day-to-day work of 65 employees and motivated teams to exceed objectives.
- Recruited and managed senior staff with focus on delivering clear results.
Operations Manager
Optima Metal Services
Kings Lynn, Norfolk
2022.04 - 2023.11
- Head hunted to come in and improve various parts of business.
- Three areas I was targeted on. New Shipping system, New Production work schedule and New ERP system for business.
- With turnover in excess of 35million business was losing 100s Thousands pounds worth of goods. After reviewing business needs and its unique offering to marketplace. New Process and System was rolled out to eliminate any further credits being issued for failure to prove proof of delivery. Within 2 months were achieving 99.99% success.
- Created and introduced new scheduling tool to monitor all orders going through every department so had complete visibility. This took 3 months to roll out and was fully trained up and working successfully within 6 months. This also gave business for first time, trends and potential bottle necks arising prior to getting out of hand. So controlled plans could be put into to place to prevent Firefighting.
- Final project was to source and roll out new ERP system for business. With business running multiple systems, need was to bring all operations within one system. Selection process was started and after reviewing over 30 ERP systems across world. New system was selected.
Production Manager (Operations)
Sands Agricultural Machinery
Norwich, Norfolk
2020.06 - 2022.04
- Key responsibilities: Full management of production process and oversight of, or liaison with associated departments, managing purchasing department and stores, to ensure factory had sufficient stocks to complete orders in timely manner, to negate impact on production output. Heavily involved in renegotiating better terms/logistics from supply chain, to benefit both parties, and create trusted relationships. Products purchased included wiring looms, engines, steel fabrication for chassis, axles and booms, to paint equipment, machinery and tools etc.
- Undertook enhancement of ERP system to give improved visibility of any potential issues and therefore ability to react proactively to prevent impact on production.
- Remit; to fully manufacture in house, agricultural crop sprayers from self-fabricated chassis to finished product. I designed out continual historic repetitive problems within production, by bringing in processes, implementing things such as engineering change notes, maintenance programmes, to name a few. This created documented history and advice for staff to follow, negating previous “word of mouth instructions” causing errors etc. and provides audit trail if issues continually arise. I brought in lean engineering initiatives to improve workflow and drive out issues within manufacturing process.
- I also have responsibility for health and safety of business and have reviewed, improved, updated and amended where needed.
- Overhauled Fabrication Welding area to increase output and improve on overall Quality of finished product.
- In managing workforce, have introduced salary reviews against skill set, and brought in PDPs to improve staff understanding, retention, and morale, and to measure and increase skill sets within business to cover shortfalls.
- I have identified improvements which could be made with introduction of better technology, by looking at potential upgrade of computer operating system within business: Either to improve current system or to bring new MRP system.
Operations Manager
IDS Supplies Thetford
Thetford, Norfolk
2015.01 - 2020.01
- Set up this business from day one review of Directors vision. Undertook market research, on product and competitors.
- Looked for and procured factory premises within Norfolk to set up; Acquired plant and equipment for Manufacturing site and carried out all initial staff interviews and continued staff management.
- Have managed and created mutually beneficial relationships with all customers from initial site visit and design concept, to overseeing and liaising with customer for smooth installation of products.
- Set up supplier chain network for business, from UK to as far as China and Australia, utilising overseas buying experience from across world. Purchased £500,000 of new machinery from Italy then organised and oversaw installation of same. Further to this obtained key products from 2 market leaders across on terms equivalent to established businesses by selling our vision and for growth.
- Came up with revised business plan and designed initial products; designing out historic issues, design and innovation continues to grow on many products and accessories designed from set up to present day.
- Looked after; procurement, H&S, operations, Sales growth, P&L, cashflow and Marketing of business. During time there established business as market leader in new designs and quality within its sector. Grew business to £2.5million from zero with workforce of 23 people.
Lean Engineer and Project Manager
Silverline
Mildenhall, Suffolk
2010.01 - 2015.01
- Business had lost market share and was asked to come in as part of rescue team. Undertook Lean Engineering projects and “cut the fat”. H&S needed overhaul along with looking at margins etc. Reviewed and visited all business suppliers in UK and overseas, renegotiating new terms and contracts for business. Moved them back into better profitability and enabled them to recapture profit and market share.
New Business Manager, (UK & International)
Link51-Moresecure
Telford
2006.01 - 2009.01
- Joined market leader racking shelving and storage in UK, (£150M business). Redirected business to landing more lucrative deals and key accounts I brought in Nike, Argos, HOF, and Apple by way of complete service package. This was achieved by sourcing and negotiating with new suppliers for new range of products for the business, to complement current products manufactured. Visited overseas customers and improved business relationship with them all and negotiated new deals. Was promoted to New Division Director; due to landing £4.5 million in sales. My role was then enhanced to include securing and developing business directly with customers. Sorting out issues with Six Sigma Black belts, with various issues that were occurring and couldn’t be sorted.
Operations Director- Managing Director
Silverline
Mildenhall, Suffolk
2000.01 - 2006.01
- Was heavily involved in design, build, and costing of new factory of 110,000 sq. Ft. This mammoth task was completed in 2 phases over 2 years and is still largest today. Once completed, I negotiated and bought a new paint plant, at time was largest paint plant in Europe, this task involved travel to Switzerland to see machinery in use and much negotiation and technical input. Cost at the time was eye-watering £1.5M. Ops Director leading onto Managing Director, grew business to £18.5 million turnover from £11million with 210 staff.
- Managed key accounts and overseas customers for business, ensuring that seamless service was always maintained, and service levels provided was at highest level possible.
- This was done by introducing new lines, factory efficiencies from paint plant, and being market leaders in sector, with best product and price, and increasing market share. Also added to import lines to bring in finished and flat pack products from China, Thailand and Türkiye which organised to be manufactured under license ensuring competitiveness in the market for continuity of trade whilst margins were tight.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
Commercial Director
Silverline
Mildenhall, Suffolk
1994.01 - 2000.01
- Responsible for throughput of factory’s which grew to 7 sites at 2 locations. Managed H&S , as was procurement of machinery from hole punchers to introduction of first laser machine, robotic welders, and auto assembly lines. Managed and negotiated complete supply chain network from UK and overseas partners travelling extensively to do so.
Development Manager
Silverline
Mildenhall, Suffolk
1990.01 - 2000.01
- This entailed, design, working with suppliers to find and purchase improved products, enabling quicker methods through shop floor, and undertaking margin analysis and costings of bill of materials to drive profit to bottom line, in order to do this; Travelled to Taiwan, Thailand, and China to negotiate, and set up purchasing of components for import, along with visiting Europe for sales and purchasing purposes.
Graphic Designer
Silverline
Mildenhall, Suffolk
1988.01 - 1991.06
- This involved undertaking drafting of drawings manually and then taught myself CAD. Products designed were metal filing cabinets and storage products.
Apprentice Toolmaker
Silverline
Mildenhall, Suffolk
1986.01 - 1988.01
- Started with Silverline in Mildenhall in 1986 as apprentice toolmaker in sheet metal, job involved; welding, using CNC, lathes to be able to construct and manufacture press tools and all other equipment in the business.
- Developed practical skills for enhanced productivity through hands-on training.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail whilst carrying out complex assignments.
Education
O Level - Math’s, Geography, Technology, PE
Kings Edward VI
Bury St Edmunds Skills
- Business turnaround and development
- Manufacturing and production optimization
- Purchasing and supply chain management
- Supplier relationship management
- Change management strategies
- Sales growth and market development
- Stakeholder and customer engagement
- Problem solving and innovation
- Product design and testing
- High-level managerial experience
- Advanced Excel and Office proficiency
- Risk assessment and health safety compliance
- Self-driven and adaptable work style
- Leadership development
- Business development
- LEAN manufacturing
- Supply chain management
- Supplier negotiation
- Customer relationship management
- Performance driving
- HR systems knowledge
- Excellent people management
- Experience with erp systems
- Risk analysis capability
- Change implementation expertise
- High adaptability to changes
- Automated production system knowledge
- Project management proficiency
- Calm under pressure
- Strong leadership
References
References can be provided on request.
Personal Interests
I have varied interests from; F1, Go Karting, to film, cooking, and walking, politics, and travel., I am very much a family man and happiest when undertaking activities with them. I married in 2015 and have a blended family so have 4 adult “children” ranging from age 28 to 34. My wife and I like to host dinners, and parties and family events often having a houseful of 20 or more.
Work availability
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
General Manager
Wrightform
2023.12 - 2026.02
Operations Manager
Optima Metal Services
2022.04 - 2023.11
Production Manager (Operations)
Sands Agricultural Machinery
2020.06 - 2022.04
Operations Manager
IDS Supplies Thetford
2015.01 - 2020.01
Lean Engineer and Project Manager
Silverline
2010.01 - 2015.01
New Business Manager, (UK & International)
Link51-Moresecure
2006.01 - 2009.01
Operations Director- Managing Director
Silverline
2000.01 - 2006.01
Commercial Director
Silverline
1994.01 - 2000.01
Development Manager
Silverline
1990.01 - 2000.01
Graphic Designer
Silverline
1988.01 - 1991.06
Apprentice Toolmaker
Silverline
1986.01 - 1988.01
O Level - Math’s, Geography, Technology, PE
Kings Edward VI