Senior Operations Director - Construction Adhesives

H.B. Fuller; Dukinfield; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the adhesives industry is seeking a Europe Sr. Operations Director to spearhead manufacturing strategies and oversee operations across multiple plants. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the chemical manufacturing sector, a strong background in EHS compliance, and a proven ability to drive change and improve processes. This role promises a collaborative leadership environment, focusing on building high-performing teams and ensuring operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include Bachelor's in engineering or operations management.
• Senior leadership experience across manufacturing plants required.
• Proven experience in the chemical manufacturing industry essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Europe manufacturing strategy.
• Lead safety initiatives and ensure compliance.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement processes.

Skills

Driving change

Process improvements

Leadership

EHS compliance

Cultural awareness

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in engineering or operations management

Tools

SAP

MRP

Job description

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2023 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,000 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets.

Position Overview:

The Europe Sr. Operations Director will report directly to the Vice President of Global Operations. The primary responsibility will be to lead and drive regional manufacturing and create a high performing team. This will involve the development and execution of a comprehensive manufacturing strategy which links productivity and quality performance measures with the sales and marketing strategies of the company.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute Europe manufacturing strategy aligned with global growth and sales plans.
• Lead with EHS as a core value (not just a priority) – strong on COMHA/process safety.
• Build and evolve a high-performance culture and leadership team across multiple cultures.
• Drive automation, LEAN, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement (SAP, MRP systems, asset monitoring, DCS familiarity).
• Evaluate and develop plant management talent – EC-3 level evaluations.
• Oversee CAPEX decisions and facility upgrades.
• Support new product introduction with R&D and Commercial.
• Lead integration of new acquisitions.
• Eventually own the regional supply chain function.
• Ensure excellence in customer experience, productivity, and cost control

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in engineering or operations management (mandatory).
• Senior leadership across multiple manufacturing plants
• Proven track record in Driving change and process improvements; Implementing automation and systems (SAP, MRP); Developing and elevating talent
• Deep knowledge of chemical manufacturing and EHS/COMHA compliance.
• Familiar with risk profiles in chemical and mechanical environments.
• Culturally aware of different countries in Europe.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and visible leadership style.
• Hands-on presence at sites; values shop floor engagement.
• Proven experience in glass, infrastructure, composites, roofing, and flooring.

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H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.