Operations Director - Manufacturing

We are seeking an experienced EU Operations Director to oversee all operational and logistical activities across European facilities. This role will be responsible for aligning operations with corporate strategy, optimizing processes, managing budgets, and ensuring that operational objectives align with regional and global goals. The ideal candidate has strong experience in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management, combined with a keen understanding of European regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with company objectives and regional business goals
• Oversee production planning and capacity management to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Operational Management

• Lead day-to-day operations across multiple sites, ensuring consistent application of best practices in manufacturing, safety, and quality control
• Monitor KPIs and performance metrics to drive productivity, quality, and cost reduction

Logistics & Supply Chain Optimization

• Manage logistics and distribution channels across Europe, ensuring smooth operations and timely delivery to customers
• Identify and implement process improvements in supply chain management, working closely with procurement and inventory teams

Financial & Budgetary Oversight

• Oversee budgets for all European operations, ensuring financial discipline and accountability
• Drive cost savings and efficiency initiatives to improve operational margins

People Management & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team across multiple locations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Implement training and development programs that align with operational and strategic needs

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with European regulatory standards, including health and safety, environmental regulations, and labor laws
• Develop and enforce risk management policies and procedures to mitigate operational risks

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with sales, R&D, finance, and HR to align operational strategies with broader business objectives
• Partner with senior management on business development, mergers, and expansions within the European market

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or equivalent field
• 10+ years of experience in operations, with a proven track record of success in manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain management within Europe
• Experience working as a Plant Manager is a must
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement tools
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Proficiency in Czech and English, both written and verbal

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the automotive industry (Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier)
• MBA or relevant Master's degree
• Experience with ERP systems, SAP preferred

• Competitive salary (€80,000) with performance bonus (20%)

• Hybrid working arrangement (1 day remote per week)
• Leadership role with significant growth potential
• Opportunity to lead the largest region within the Business Unit
• Career path potential toward General Manager role

Company Culture

Our client values transparency, teamwork, and trust. The ideal candidate will have a collaborative leadership style, enjoy mentoring team members, and maintain open communication with both direct reports and senior management.

The position offers an exciting opportunity to drive impactful change, scale operations, and capitalize on market opportunities to expand the region's footprint and business success.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under EU law and the laws of the respective EU member states.

Commitment to Diversity

Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We recognize and celebrate the cultural diversity across EU member states.

Reasonable Accommodations

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, in accordance with EU Directive 2000/78/EC and national laws of EU member states. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information

For client positions, compensation information will be provided in accordance with applicable EU and national laws. When required by law, salary information will be included in job postings or provided during the recruitment process. We are committed to pay transparency and equal pay for equal work, in line with EU Directive 2006/54/EC and national laws on pay equity.

Compliance with Laws

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with EU laws, directives, and regulations, as well as national laws of EU member states governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on any protected characteristic under EU law and the laws of EU member states. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment based on race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, age, disability, or genetic information.

Data Protection and Privacy

We process personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable national data protection laws. For more information about how we collect and process personal data for recruitment and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.

Pay Equity

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable EU and national laws.

Working Time and Leave

We comply with EU Directive 2003/88/EC concerning certain aspects of the organization of working time, as well as national laws of EU member states regarding working hours, rest periods, and leave entitlements.

Health and Safety

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment in accordance with EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC on Safety and Health at Work and relevant national laws of EU member states.

Works Councils and Employee Representation

We respect the rights of employees to form and join works councils and other forms of employee representation in accordance with EU Directive 2009/38/EC and national laws of EU member states.

Country-Specific Declarations

While this policy provides a general framework applicable across the EU, it's important to note that specific employment laws can vary significantly between EU member states. To ensure full compliance with local regulations, we make the following provisions:

1. Local Law Compliance: In addition to EU-wide regulations, we comply with all national laws and regulations of the specific EU member state where the employment takes place.
2. Country-Specific Addenda: For each EU country where we operate, we maintain country-specific addenda to this policy. These addenda outline any additional requirements, protections, or procedures mandated by national law that go beyond or differ from EU-wide standards.
3. Language Requirements: In countries where local law requires that employment policies be provided in the local language, we will make available a properly translated version of this policy and its country-specific addendum.
4. Notification of Applicable Laws: During the recruitment process, candidates will be informed of the specific national laws that apply to their potential employment, in addition to EU-wide regulations.
5. Regular Updates: We commit to regularly reviewing and updating our country-specific addenda to reflect any changes in national employment laws.
6. Precedence of National Law: Where national law provides greater protection or additional rights to employees beyond what is outlined in this general EU policy, the national law will take precedence.
7. Specific Declarations: Where required by national law, we will make specific declarations regarding matters such as:
• Pay transparency and gender pay gap reporting
• Working time arrangements
• Collective bargaining agreements
• Data protection and privacy measures
• Whistleblower protection mechanisms
• Any quota systems for underrepresented groups in employment
8. Access to Information: Employees and candidates can request information about the country-specific policies applicable to their employment or potential employment by contacting assistance@kellerexecutivesearch.com.

Genetic Information

In accordance with EU and national laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate within the EU.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location within the EU.