Managing Director, European Operations

Position Summary:

The Managing Director, European Operations will provide strategic and tactical leadership to ensure the efficient operation and long-term success of the manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for overseeing all site operations, including production, staffing, financial performance, and policy implementation, while fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This role will also support the Commercial team with customer facing facility related activities. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Operations, the Managing Director will drive operational excellence, support business development, and align site objectives with the company's global strategy

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the site's strategic vision, aligning with corporate goals to drive growth, innovation, and operational efficiency. Identify opportunities for process improvements and technological advancements to maintain a competitive advantage.
• Tactical Leadership: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless execution of production schedules, quality standards, and safety protocols. Lead cross-functional teams to achieve operational targets and resolve challenges promptly.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, and local communities. Act as the primary point of contact for external partners and regulatory bodies.
• Communication Skills: Communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, from site employees to senior leadership, ensuring clarity, transparency, and alignment. Deliver regular updates to the VP, Operations on site performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Site Policy Accountability: Develop, implement, and enforce site-specific policies in compliance with corporate guidelines and local regulations, ensuring a safe, ethical, and productive work environment.
• Financial Accountability: Manage the site's financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. Ensure profitability by optimizing resources and achieving financial targets.
• Staffing Accountability: Oversee recruitment, training, and development of site personnel. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement while ensuring appropriate staffing levels to meet production demands.
• Production Accountability: Ensure the site meets or exceeds production goals while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Business Development Support: Collaborate with the business development team to identify and pursue growth opportunities for the site, including new product lines, market expansion, or partnerships.

Requirements:

Education, Skills and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, with at least 10 years in a senior management role.
• Proven track record of driving strategic and operational success in a manufacturing environment.
• Direct P&L experience/ownership with strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and achieving financial targets.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of European manufacturing regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in additional European languages is a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Results-driven leadership
• Change management and adaptability
• Strong decision-making under pressure
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style

Travel Requirements:

• Travel: Engage in approximately 25% travel to meet with corporate leadership, visit other sites, attend industry events, or engage with key clients and partners.