China COO - German Machine Builder

On behalf of a premier, long-established European engineering group specializing in high-precision machinery solutions, we are seeking a hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead manufacturing operations across multiple production facilities in the Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai & Jiaxing).This executive role will oversee end-to-end plant operations, supply chain resilience, and process optimization while serving as the primary operational bridge between European corporate governance and local execution.Key Operational ObjectivesOperational Excellence & Footprint Leadership: Drive overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), lean manufacturing (Kaizen), and continuous improvement across multiple facilities encompassing both heavy assembly and specialized technical service operations.Supply Chain & Supplier Development: Strengthen end-to-end procurement, inventory flows, and local vendor capability networks to ensure high-quality, cost-effective component sourcing.Digitalization & Process Governance: Accelerate smart manufacturing initiatives, modernizing factory IT infrastructure, quality frameworks, and plant-wide management routines.Intercultural Team Development: Mentor plant managers and cross-functional teams (500+ local employees), building a sustainable pipeline of operational talent aligned with European quality standards.Candidate ProfileIndustry Background: Strong background in custom machinery building or heavy precision engineering. Technical Core: Proven mastery in mechanical manufacturing environments - specifically machining, milling, precision turning, complex assembly, and sheet metal fabrication.Track Record: 15+ years in manufacturing, with at least 8 years directing multi-plant operations (COO, Operations Director, Plant GM, or VP Manufacturing).Cultural Alignment: Proven success operating and managing cross-border alignment between European headquarters and Asia-based plants.Languages: Professional fluency in English is mandatory. German language skills are strongly preferred to facilitate HQ communications; conversational Mandarin is an advantage.