Director of Operations

Pacific International Executive Search; España; Presencial; EUR 180.000 - 250.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Pacific International Executive Search is seeking an Operations Director EMEA to lead a network of five manufacturing sites across the EMEA region. The role focuses on defining regional operations strategy, driving performance improvements in manufacturing and supply chain, and steering an ongoing transformation for operational excellence, standardisation, and sustainable growth.

The candidate will balance strategic direction with hands-on execution, building a safety- and quality‑driven culture

Formación

• 15+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, operations or supply chain.
• Proven track record leading multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Experience driving transformation and operational excellence programmes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain and performance improvement.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and execute a regional Operations strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead a multi-site manufacturing organisation across the EMEA region.
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity and overall performance.
• Build alignment and standardisation across sites; implement lean and continuous improvement.
• Champion Health, Safety & Environment culture and regulatory compliance.
• Lead budgeting, capital investment planning and performance management.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Multi-site Ops

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Budgeting

Stakeholder Mgmt

Educación

Engineering degree

MBA preferred

Descripción del empleo

Pacific International has been retained by a global leader in advanced materials and industrial technologies to appoint an Operations Director EMEA for one of its core business divisions.

The organisation develops and manufactures engineered consumables, process technologies, and technical solutions that help customers improve casting quality, operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Its products play a critical role in the production of metal castings used across the automotive, commercial vehicle, energy, infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing sectors.

This is a highly visible senior leadership role responsible for leading a network of 5 key manufacturing sites across EMEA. The successful candidate will define and execute the regional operations strategy, drive performance improvements across manufacturing and supply chain activities, and play a important role in an ongoing transformation program focused on operational excellence, standardisation, and sustainable growth.

The role requires a leader capable of balancing strategic direction with operational execution, creating alignment across multiple sites while building a culture centred on safety, quality, customer focus, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a regional Operations strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans
• Lead a multi-site manufacturing organisation across the EMEA region
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and overall operational performance
• Build greater alignment, standardisation, and collaboration across manufacturing sites
• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce waste
• Champion a strong Health, Safety & Environment culture and ensure compliance with all regulatory and corporate standards
• Partner with Quality and Technical teams to strengthen process discipline, problem-solving capabilities, and operational excellence
• Lead operational budgeting, capital investment planning, and performance management processes
• Drive cost optimisation and productivity initiatives while maintaining service and quality standards
• Coach, develop, and mentor Plant Managers and operational leaders across the region
• Partner closely with Commercial, and Supply Chain functions to ensure operational priorities support customer and business objectives

Candidate Profile

• 15+ years of leadership experience within manufacturing, operations, or supply chain environments
• Proven track record leading multi-site manufacturing operations within complex industrial businesses
• Experience driving transformation, operational excellence, and cultural change programmes
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and performance improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, quality, service, safety, and cost performance
• Experience managing operational budgets, capital investment projects, and strategic business initiatives
• Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and change management skills
• Track record of building, developing, and leading high-performing teams
• Commercially aware with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Preferred Background

• Experience leading operations across multiple countries and manufacturing sites
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, Operational Excellence, or similar continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience operating within customer-centric industrial manufacturing organisations
• Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or Business-related degree required
• Master's degree or MBA preferred
• Fluent English required; additional European languages are advantageous

Location: The successful candidate can be based in Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, or Türkiye, with regular travel across the EMEA region required to support manufacturing sites and business operations.

Diversity Statement:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.