Executive Director Operations

PAWLIK Executive; Groningen; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Company car

Job summary

PAWLIK Recruiters GmbH represents an internationally operating industrial company seeking a Site Leader for its Foxhol production site in the Netherlands. You will assume full operational and strategic responsibility, lead a 50-person site team, manage P&L, CapEx, and drive Lean, continuous improvement and digitalization initiatives.

The role offers a clear long-term career path toward General Management for the Netherlands, close collaboration with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain and

Qualifications

• Experience leading industrial manufacturing operations.
• Proven track record in operational site management and cross-functional leadership.
• Experience working with R&D in an industrial environment.
• Strong grasp of P&L, CapEx and performance management.
• Sound knowledge of HSEQ and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for the production site's operational and strategic management.
• Lead and develop the site leadership team (~50 employees).
• Manage P&L, cost control and CapEx planning.
• Coordinate Operations and Supply Chain activities, incl. production planning and logistics.
• Collaborate with R&D and international stakeholders; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

R&D experience

Cross-functional teams

Lean

Analytical

English

Dutch language

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

University degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Operations Management

Job description

Site Leader (m/f/d) – Industrial Manufacturing – Foxhol, The Netherlands

On behalf of a successful, internationally operating industrial company, we are seeking an experienced Site Leader (m/f/d) to take overall responsibility for one of its production sites in Foxhol, the Netherlands.

Your Role:

As Site Leader, you will assume overall responsibility for the operational and strategic management of the site, reporting directly to the Country Managing Director. In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for the site's overall performance and development, combining operational excellence with strategic site development.

A high level of on-site presence and proximity to the operational business is essential for this role. You will work closely with the site's Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and HSEQ functions and collaborate with central and international stakeholders to further develop the organization, processes, and overall performance of the site.

The position also offers a clear long-term career perspective: within approximately four to five years, there is the opportunity to assume responsibility as General Manager for the Netherlands, following the planned retirement of the current Managing Director.

Your Responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for the operational and strategic management of the production site
• Leadership and development of the site leadership team and approximately 50 employees
• Responsibility for the site's operational and financial performance, including P&L, cost management, and CapEx planning
• Management of key Operations and Supply Chain activities, including production planning, purchasing, logistics, and inventory management
• Close coordination of site-based R&D activities and effective collaboration with central R&D teams
• Strengthening collaboration between Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and other international functions
• Responsibility for HSEQ and ensuring compliance with relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards
• Ensuring high product availability, on-time delivery, and reliable customer supply
• Further development of the operational organization and promotion of a performance-oriented and accountable culture
• Driving continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives, including Lean approaches
• Developing effective management structures, KPIs, and performance management systems and driving digitalization initiatives
• Representing the site within the broader international organization and contributing to cross-site best-practice sharing

Your Profile:

• University degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Operations Management, or a comparable technical field
• Several years of leadership experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
• Proven track record in Operations and operational site management
• Solid experience working with and/or leading R&D activities in an industrial environment
• Strong understanding of production, Supply Chain, and technical functions
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Experience in financial management, including budgeting, P&L responsibility, CapEx planning, and operational performance management
• Sound knowledge of HSEQ, industrial safety, and relevant regulatory requirements
• Experience in international and matrix organizations
• Strong analytical and organizational skills combined with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Fluent Dutch and English skills, German is an advantage

You are a hands-on, pragmatic, and accountable leader who maintains a strong presence within the operation and is comfortable being close to the day-to-day business. You provide clear direction, make sound decisions, and inspire employees to embrace change and performance improvements. At the same time, you bring the strategic perspective required to sustainably develop the site and prepare for future overall responsibility for the Dutch business.

What We Offer:

• Strategically important leadership position with overall responsibility for a production site
• Clear long-term career perspective towards General Management responsibility for the Netherlands
• Strong interface between Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and strategic site development
• Significant scope to shape the further development of Operations, the organization, and site performance
• International and dynamic business environment
• Attractive compensation package including bonus and company car

Further information about the company, the specific site, and the compensation package will be provided during a personal conversation, as this is a confidential search.

We will treat your interest with strict confidentiality.