Director of Operations Europe - Langenfeld / Gutersloh, DEU Based (f / m / d)

MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions is a global supplier of industrial metal and plastic finishing chemistries. We primarily design and manufacture chemical systems that protect and decorate surfaces. Our high-performance functional coatings improve resistance to wear and tear, such as hard chrome plating of shock absorbers for cars or provide corrosion resistance for appliance parts. Our decorative performance coatings apply finishes for parts in various end markets such as automotive interiors or jewelry surfaces. As part of our broader sustainable solutions platform, we also provide both chemistry and equipment for turnkey wastewater treatment and recycle and reuse solutions. Our industrial customer base is highly diverse and includes customers in the following end markets: appliances and electronics equipment; automotive parts; industrial parts; plumbing goods; construction equipment and transportation equipment. MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions is a business unit of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI). Element Solutions Inc is a leading specialty chemicals company whose businesses supply a broad range of solutions that enhance the products people use every day.

Job Purpose

This position can be located in Germany (Langenfeld and Gutersloh regions), UK (Birmingham region), or Italy (Novara region).

Major responsibilities for the Operations Director - Chemicals – Europe include planning, directing, and coordinating the activities of the company’s regional Chemical Production sites in the EU and UK production sites to ensure compliance with Internal and External Safety, Quality and Production Standards. Their job description entails determining the mode of operation that is undertaken by the sites under his/her supervision, ensuring that each one of them follows company rules and guidelines when carrying out their routine activities. It also involves ensuring that the sites run smoothly and meet stipulated targets that are set for them. Other responsibilities include being the regional point person representing the Chemicals Supply Chain in relationships with the other regional functions (Finance, Commercial, IT, etc.).

Job Responsibilities

1. Direct Management of Site Managers: Oversees and directly manages site managers within the region, ensuring alignment with company objectives and standards.
2. Direct Budget Responsibility: Manages all manufacturing and logistics costs (OPEX), capital expenditures (CAPEX), and working capital for the region, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
3. Environmental, Health, and Safety Standards: Ensures manufacturing facilities operate at the highest environmental, health, and safety standards, complying with laws, regulations, and company policies.
4. Quality Standards: Ensures facilities meet the highest quality standards, complying with relevant certifications (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001) and maintaining quality management systems.
5. Continuous Improvement: Promotes a culture of continuous improvement in quality performance, facilitating the sharing of lessons learned and optimizing operations.
6. Supply Chain Management: Prepares and submits monthly reports on supply chain performance, collaborating closely with the supply chain team to optimize regional operations.
7. Implementation of Company Initiatives: Implements regional and global company initiatives such as best practices, quality improvements, and standardized software usage.
8. Efficiency Improvement: Acts as the focal person to drive efficiency forward globally, utilizing a continuous improvement approach.
9. Site Selection and Integration: Responsible for site selection within the region, collaborating with commercial counterparts to ensure cost-effective options for customers. Also oversees integration and optimization projects.
10. People Management: Manages people in the region, including talent pipeline development, succession planning, and engagement with site managers for the same.
11. Collaboration with Other Functions: Drives shared initiatives with other functions within the region to optimize operations and achieve company goals.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Degree qualification in a science or engineering discipline.
• 8 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the Operations field.
• Experience managing Quality in complex, varied manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience of Lean and Six Sigma Continuous Improvement techniques.
• A passion for Quality performance and Continuous Improvement.
• Strong working knowledge of the chemical sector and/or similar manufacturing environment.

Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #LI-ED1