Operations Manager

Greif, Inc.; Bottanuco; On-site; EUR 46,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Local benefits

Job summary

Greif, Inc. in Lombardy, Italy, seeks an Operations Manager to coordinate the production area, drive safety, quality, and cost metrics, and lead teams toward continuous improvement.

The role emphasizes Lean manufacturing, KPI tracking, and cross-functional collaboration across planning, logistics, and quality. The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial or mechanical engineering and has 3–5 years in a similar role, with English at B2 level.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, or equivalent technical discipline.
• 3–5 years of experience in a similar role, multinational environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the production team with a focus on safety, accountability, and Lean principles.
• Plan and coordinate production activities to meet schedules and resources.
• Monitor KPI performance and drive waste reduction and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with quality, health & safety, and environmental standards.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Delegation

Supervisory skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Servant leadership

Lean manufacturing

Quality systems

Health & safety

Environmental management

Education

Bachelor's degree in industrial or mechanical engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Infor LN

Job description

Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world's most in demand and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life's essentials - and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders. Learn more about the company's Customized Polymer, Sustainable Fiber, Durable Metal, and Integrated Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn. OUR VISION: To Be the Advantage That Helps Our Customers Win. OUR PURPOSE: Creating packaging solutions for life’s essentials.

Job Requisition #: 035503 Operations Manager (Open) Job Description:

Coordinate, develop, and optimize the operational activities of the assigned production area, ensuring the achievement of safety, production, quality, environmental, food safety (where applicable), and cost-efficiency objectives. The Operations Manager plays a key role in leading and developing people, driving operational performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, in alignment with Greif Way principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, organize, and develop the production team, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on safety, accountability, and the principles of the Greif Way.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and the maintenance of management systems applicable to the business, meeting regulatory, customer, and corporate requirements.
• Plan and coordinate the operational activities within the area of responsibility, ensuring effective resource utilization, production continuity, and achievement of business objectives.
• Manage workforce organization, including shift scheduling, attendance planning, and training activities required to support employee development and competency growth.
• Ensure adherence to production schedules and delivery commitments, working closely with Planning, Logistics, and Commercial teams to maintain high levels of customer service.
• Monitor and improve operational performance through KPI analysis, optimization of production efficiency, and implementation of actions aimed at reducing waste, scrap, and inefficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and applicable product safety requirements, collaborating with the Quality department in the management of non-conformities, corrective actions, and customer complaints.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, promoting responsible behaviors and a strong culture of prevention.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement through the application of Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S methodologies, and active employee involvement.
• Coordinate activities with Maintenance, Quality, EHS, Purchasing, Planning, and Logistics functions to ensure continuity and efficiency of production processes.
• Promote innovation, automation, and digitalization projects to support business growth and competitiveness.
• Analyze operational, financial, and organizational performance within the area of responsibility, identifying improvement opportunities and defining action plans.
• Support change management processes and site strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment of employees with company objectives.
• Be accountable for the overall performance of the assigned area, ensuring the achievement of Safety, Quality, Environmental, Productivity, and Cost targets.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline. Alternatively, significant experience managing production departments within complex industrial environments.

Languages

English proficiency at B2 level.

Experience

3-5 years of experience in a similar role, with at least 2 years of experience in a multinational environment preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

Competencies: Strong interpersonal, delegation, and supervisory skills. Excellent communication and organizational abilities. Servant leadership mindset.

Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Infor LN.

Technical Skills: Knowledge of Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental Management Systems. Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies.

At Greif, we believe that our colleagues are the center of our success. Our Total Rewards have a comprehensive focus on well-being and offer a competitive package that enables you to thrive, be engaged, and reach your full potential.

Compensation Range:

The pay range for this position is €45,700.00 - €77,700.00 annually. Typically, a competitive wage for new hires will fall between50,000.00 to60,000.00 annually. Offers for this position may vary based on market data and other factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. The position may also be eligible for a short-term incentive.

Benefits Statement

Greif offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive core benefits, paid time off, and a range of local benefits for eligible colleagues.

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunity for growth. Greif is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, color, disability, veteran status or any other any other legally protected characteristic. For more information read Greif’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

Founded in 1877, Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world’s most demanding and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life’s essentials – and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.