Director of Operations

Pacific International has been retained by a global leader in advanced materials and industrial technologies to appoint an Operations Director EMEA for one of its core business divisions.The organisation develops and manufactures engineered consumables, process technologies, and technical solutions that help customers improve casting quality, operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Its products play a critical role in the production of metal castings used across the automotive, commercial vehicle, energy, infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing sectors.This is a highly visible senior leadership role responsible for leading a network of 5 key manufacturing sites across EMEA. The successful candidate will define and execute the regional operations strategy, drive performance improvements across manufacturing and supply chain activities, and play a important role in an ongoing transformation program focused on operational excellence, standardisation, and sustainable growth.The role requires a leader capable of balancing strategic direction with operational execution, creating alignment across multiple sites while building a culture centred on safety, quality, customer focus, and continuous improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a regional Operations strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plansLead a multi-site manufacturing and supply chain organisation across the EMEA regionDrive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, customer service, and overall operational performanceBuild greater alignment, standardisation, and collaboration across manufacturing sitesImplement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce wasteOversee production, planning, procurement, logistics, and distribution activities to ensure performance against cost, quality, and delivery targetsChampion a strong Health, Safety & Environment culture and ensure compliance with all regulatory and corporate standardsPartner with Quality and Technical teams to strengthen process discipline, problem-solving capabilities, and operational excellenceLead operational budgeting, capital investment planning, and performance management processesDrive cost optimisation and productivity initiatives while maintaining service and quality standardsDevelop strategic supplier relationships and strengthen supply chain resilienceCoach, develop, and mentor Plant Managers and operational leaders across the regionPartner closely with Commercial, Engineering, Technical, Quality, and Supply Chain functions to ensure operational priorities support customer and business objectivesCandidate Profile15+ years of leadership experience within manufacturing, operations, or supply chain environmentsProven track record leading multi-site manufacturing operations within complex industrial businessesExperience driving transformation, operational excellence, and cultural change programmesStrong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and performance improvement methodologiesDemonstrated success improving productivity, quality, service, safety, and cost performanceExperience managing operational budgets, capital investment projects, and strategic business initiativesStrong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and change management skillsTrack record of building, developing, and leading high-performing teamsCommercially aware with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesPreferred BackgroundExperience leading operations across multiple countries and manufacturing sitesExposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, Operational Excellence, or similar continuous improvement methodologiesExperience operating within customer-centric industrial manufacturing organisationsEngineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or Business-related degree requiredMaster's degree or MBA preferredFluent English required; additional European languages are advantageous

Location: The successful candidate can be based in Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, or Turkey, with regular travel across the EMEA region required to support manufacturing sites and business operations.For further information on this position and a confidential discussion about your career please contact Ebba Gotthard, Client Deliver Manager - ebba.gotthard@pacific-international.com, though we ask you to apply directly through this LinkedIn post to make sure your application is reviewed.Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion.

Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.Diversity Statement:At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.