Jonny Shiels
Ballymena,NI
Summary
Senior General Manager with 17 years' experience at New World Developments, progressing from the tools into operational leadership. Recognised for strong emotional intelligence, deep technical understanding of manufacturing machinery, high-performance leadership, and a proven record of delivering measurable improvements across composite door and aluminium window manufacturing.
Seasoned professional with extensive experience in managing teams and operations. Drive growth and efficiency through strategic planning and team leadership. Excel in optimising processes and fostering collaborative work environment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work history
General Manager / Senior Operational Leader
New World Developments
Ballymena, Mid and East Antrim
11.2008 - 11.2025
- - Lead daily operations across composite, aluminium, CNC, welding, spray, and finishing departments (130 staff).
- - Advanced user of ERP systems for production planning, material control and performance reporting.
- - Manage throughput, labour %, cycle time, efficiency, and WIP at daily/weekly levels.
- - Responsible for machine uptime, PM schedules, technical troubleshooting and safe mechanical interventions.
- - Liaison with Compliance, Engineering, R&D and Sales to align planning, demand and quality.
- - Deliver large operational projects, new factory setups, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- - Participate in SLT meetings and provide operational insight to support business strategy.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Leadership and Management
Northern Regional College
Ballymena, Mid and East Antrim 09.2019 - 09.2023
Higher National Diploma - Leadership and Management
Chartered Management Institution
Online 01.2025 -
Our Lady Of Lourdes
Ballymoney, Causeway Coast and GlensSkills
- - Operational Leadership & Production Management
- - Lean Manufacturing (3S, Gemba, Standard Work, SLT)
- - Mechanical & Technical Competence (motors, equipment, CNCs, welding robotics)
- - Labour Control, KPI Management & Performance Dashboards
- - High EI Leadership & Team Capability Building
- - Strategic Operational Planning
- - Factory Layout, Flow, and Throughput Improvement
- - Cross-functional collaboration (Sales, Compliance, Engineering, R&D)
- - ERP Systems, Material Control & Scheduling
Accomplishments
- - Increased composite door output from 300 to 400+ units/week, supporting significant turnover growth.
- - Improved labour efficiency by tightening cycle times, WIP control and resource allocation.
- - Re-established NWD's Lean direction in 2025 with 3S, structured Gemba, and aligned operational KPIs.
- - Strengthened labour-to-sales ratios aligned with the company's targeted % net margin ambition.
- - Implemented cycle-time-driven labour modelling to reduce overspend and tighten variance.
- - Led temporary Factory Setup (2018–2019) from empty shell to full operation.
- - Developed coaching-led leadership culture, improving supervisor and team leader capability.
Affiliations
- Combat Sports Enthusiast
- Former MMA fighter
- Current Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Gaelic Football and Hurling
References
References available upon request.
Personal
- Strong emotional intelligence; coaching-led leadership style.
- Strong Mature Mindset
- Professional.
Timeline
Higher National Diploma - Leadership and Management
Chartered Management Institution
01.2025 -
Higher National Diploma - Leadership and Management
Northern Regional College
09.2019 - 09.2023
General Manager / Senior Operational Leader
New World Developments
11.2008 - 11.2025
Our Lady Of Lourdes