We’re looking for an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee multiple facilities and drive operational excellence. In this role, you’ll lead teams, optimize resources, and ensure we deliver high-quality coatings products that meet customer expectations—all while fostering a safe, rewarding, and inclusive environment for employees and the community. This position is remote with a preference to be based from either Germany (around Vaihingen / Mannheim) or in the UK (around Manchester) with 50%-60% time spent travelling within the countries and EMEA.
Why Join Us?
This is a high-impact role where you’ll shape the future of our operations and make a real difference for our customers and employees. If you’re passionate about leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you!
Education
* Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required)
* Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or MBA (preferred)
Experience
* Current Plant Manager or Regional Director, or previous Plant Manager experience with a proven track record in the Five Focus Areas (Safety, Quality, Service, Cost/Productivity, People)
* Leadership experience managing multiple plants
* Significant European operations experience
* Broad knowledge across operations, including Process Safety Management (PSM), supply chain, manufacturing, order management, engineering, and procurement
* Demonstrated success delivering large-scale, high-profile strategic business and technology projects
* Strong project management expertise, including tools, methodologies, and techniques that drive measurable business improvements
* Experience with process mapping and implementation
* Proven ability to support complex, multi-functional and multi-divisional projects
* Experience with large business integrations, acquisitions, or site rationalizations
* Hands-on experience with Process Safety Management (PSM)
Preferred Skills & Certifications
* Protective Coating or General Industrial Coating experience
* Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Our offer to you…
* Work-life balance that supports your wellbeing
* Competitive compensation programme
* Company bonus plan
* Private medical insurance
* Company car
* Company contributed pension
* Career growth opportunities in a truly international environment
* Be part of innovation leaders in the protective coatings industry
* Access to Sherwin Academy for continuous training at all levels
* Wellbeing, mental health, women & inclusion networks and support, and ID&E programmes that make a difference
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Responsibilities
What You’ll Do
* Lead and Inspire: Provide clear direction and strong leadership to plant teams, building capability and engagement.
* Drive Performance: Manage people, materials, and assets to meet production plans and customer requirements.
* Shape Strategy: Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy for your business unit, aligning with long-term goals.
* Ensure Compliance & Safety: Maintain regulatory compliance, protect plant assets, and champion a culture of safety and sustainability.
* Continuous Improvement: Simplify processes, reduce costs, and enhance productivity through innovation and collaboration.
Your Focus Areas
* Safety: Advance safety programs and achieve “Five Zeroes” performance.
* Quality: Deliver top-quality products and maintain readiness for customer audits.
* Service: Meet service level and lead time objectives with a customer-first mindset.
* Cost & Productivity: Improve efficiency, manage budgets, and execute capital projects.
* People: Develop your team, strengthen engagement, and build future leaders.
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