Ops Director Europe

Job description

Job Purpose The Operations Director Europe defines and executes long term multi-site operations strategy aligned with business goals. Reporting to the Managing Director EMEA, you lead a multi-disciplinary team, optimising effectiveness, productivity, and profitability. Your strategic leadership shapes operational strategy, to meet customer needs, drive continuous improvement through business excellence and ensures regulatory compliance. As a key member of the European Leadership Team, you contribute to regional strategy alignment with company-wide goals, fostering sustainable growth in the European market. Reports to Managing Director EMEA Principal Place of Work Any A-Gas site within the EU region with regular travel across Continental Europe.

Any A-Gas site within the EU region with regular travel across Continental Europe.

Experience, Knowledge and Qualifications:

Essential

• Proven Operational Leadership
• Extensive experience in senior operations roles within industrial manufacturing, heavy engineering, chemicals, or processing industries.
• Demonstrated ability to drive performance, efficiency, and profitability across multiple sites or regions, particularly in geographically diverse settings.
• Strategic Programme & Project Execution
• Strong track record of leading and executing strategic initiatives across multi-site operations.
• Proven programme and project management capabilities.
• Financial & Capital Management
• Significant expertise in budgeting, cost control, and capital investment planning within a multi-site operational environment.
• Engineering & Technical Oversight
• Demonstrated experience in engineering management, with a strong understanding of technical operations and plant reliability.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance Excellence
• In-depth knowledge of safety, environmental, and quality management systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
• Commitment to regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in these areas.
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Proficiency in operational data analysis, KPI tracking, and performance reporting to inform strategic decisions.
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
• Expert knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Skilled in leading initiatives that reduce waste, improve quality, and increase operational agility.
• Customer-Focused Operational Alignment
• Ability to align operational performance with evolving customer requirements, including responsiveness, customization, and product/service quality.
• Supply Chain & Logistics Expertise
• Deep understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory management, and logistics optimization.
• Leadership & Talent Development
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop high-performing teams and nurture future leaders.
• Change & Transformation Leadership
• Experience leading large-scale transformation programs, such as digitalization, ERP implementation, or organizational restructuring.
• Skilled in navigating resistance to change and aligning diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.
• Language Proficiency
• Fluency in English is essential; additional languages are a plus

Desirable

-Master’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, or related field.

-Comprehensive understanding of production processes, scheduling, and optimisation.

-Experience and/or an understanding of SEVESO/COMAH site management.

-Certification in Operations Management.

-Training or certification in QMS, Lean Six Sigma and ISO auditing

-Knowledge of gas manufacturing

-Additional European language skills