Operations Director - EMEA

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic Operations Director for EMEA to lead operations across multiple sites in the UK, France, and the Netherlands. This pivotal role involves championing operational excellence, implementing Lean practices, and ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical regulations. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in regulated manufacturing, a hands-on leadership style, and a passion for building resilient teams. With a competitive salary and exceptional benefits, this is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact in a values-driven organization known for innovation and collaboration.

Benefits

Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Pension Contributions

Private Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Assurance

Long Service Awards

Generous Holiday Allowance

Subsidized Staff Restaurant

Flexible Working Arrangements

Training and Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior operations roles in regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of Lean methodologies and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations across multiple production sites in EMEA.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership in Operations

Lean/6 Sigma Implementation

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

Pharmaceutical Operations Knowledge

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Engineering

MBA or equivalent

Job description

Operations Director EMEA

South East England | International Scope | Hybrid Working

c.£100k-130k + Excellent Bonus (OTE £130K-£160K) + Exceptional Benefits Package

Are you a strategic and hands-on operations leader seeking your next challenge within a global manufacturing and life sciences environment?

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment is proud to support a well-established international business renowned for innovation, integrity, and world-class manufacturing. As part of a high-performing senior leadership team, this newly created role offers the opportunity to shape operational excellence across multiple European sites.

What you’ll be doing:

As Operations Director for EMEA, you will lead all aspects of operations across three key production sites in the UK, France, and the Netherlands. This includes Engineering and Manufacturing functions, end-to-end Supply Chain including Warehousing and Facilities, and continuous improvement initiatives, including HSE and Quality.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Championing a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement across multiple international sites.
2. Harmonising best practices and driving Lean/6 Sigma implementation to enhance productivity and performance.
3. Building and developing a resilient workforce through effective coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
4. Leading capital planning, budgeting, and resource forecasting aligned with business growth strategies.
5. Ensuring all manufacturing operations comply with pharmaceutical and safety regulations.
6. Collaborating with senior stakeholders to ensure business continuity, security, and alignment on technical and strategic initiatives.
7. Being a visible and influential member of the EMEA leadership team, with a dotted line to global operations.

What we’re looking for:

1. A proven leader with significant experience in a senior operations role within a regulated manufacturing environment.
2. Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical or life sciences operations is highly desirable.
3. Experience leading cross-functional teams and multi-site operations in a fast-paced international context.
4. A strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and strong Lean/CI credentials.
5. A collaborative, people-first leader who thrives on building capability, culture, and continuous improvement.
6. Willingness to travel between sites across the UK and mainland Europe as needed.

What’s in it for you?

1. A leadership role within a values-driven organization known for innovation and collaboration.
2. Opportunity to shape regional operations at a strategic level.
3. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including:
   • Bonus scheme
   • Enhanced pension contributions
   • Private medical and dental insurance
   • Life assurance
   • Long service awards
   • Generous holiday allowance with buy/sell options
   • Subsidized staff restaurant
   • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
   • Training, development, and clear progression pathways

If you’re an operations leader ready to make a tangible impact across EMEA, we’d love to hear from you.

This role is being handled by Emily Powell, Associate Director for Pearson Whiffin Recruitment.

Not quite the right role but still interested? Whether at entry or executive level, our team of experienced recruitment specialists can assist with your career. We are Kent’s leading independent consultancy, committed to delivering exceptional service to both candidates and clients.