Operations Director (m/f/d)
Location: North Rhine-Westphalia
We are currently seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Operations Director (m/f/d) to lead manufacturing operations across 2 sites in North Rhine-Westphalia. This senior leadership role carries full accountability for production performance, operational excellence, and the strategic development of processes, technologies, and teams whilst striving to drive continuous improvement within a dynamic and growing industrial environment.
The Operations Director reports directly into the Plant Manager/Managing Director and is responsible for 5-6 managers, across two sites where headcount is over 600 personnel.
Your Responsibilities
* Full responsibility for the manufacturing areas including production, processes, and quality, as well as leadership and development of the assigned management team
* Ensuring alignment of manufacturing operations with customer requirements and corporate objectives
* Defining and implementing operational strategies in line with overall business goals
* Driving continuous improvement and productivity increases through the consistent application of Lean Management principles
* Initiating and implementing measures to improve quality, efficiency, and scrap reduction
* Ensuring compliance with all relevant legal regulations and internal standards, particularly in the areas of occupational safety, environmental protection, and quality
* Responsibility for budget planning, monitoring, and adherence
* Leading capacity planning and investment activities, particularly in the context of growth and ramp-up phases
* Identifying and implementing automation solutions and new technologies to enhance operational efficiency
Key Challenges
* Managing a significant ramp-up of manufacturing operations
* Successfully launching and scaling new production programmes (NPI) with associated capital investments
* Ensuring delivery of quality, cost, and timing targets in a complex environment
* Driving a sustainable cultural transformation towards structured, rule-based processes
Leadership & Interfaces
* Close collaboration with the senior leadership team and establishment of a strong operational leadership structure
* Regular communication across all organisational levels, including employee town halls and management reviews
* Acting as a key contact for customer escalations related to delivery and technical topics
* Participation in internal and external audits (e.g. AS9100 and customer-specific requirements)
Your Profile
* Degree in Engineering or a comparable technical discipline
* At least 10 years of professional experience in a comparable operational leadership role
* Proven experience in production leadership within an industrial environment, ideally within the automotive sector
* Demonstratable experience leading large teams in multi-site operations
* Strong expertise in Lean Management and continuous improvement methodologies
* Excellent analytical, structured, and solution-oriented working approach
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels
* Fluency in German and English is required
Desirable qualifications:
* Experience in metal processing or casting environments
* Six Sigma certification
What We Offer
* A key leadership position with significant operational responsibility
* The opportunity to actively shape and develop a growing organisation
* A professional and performance-driven environment with ongoing investment in technology and expansion
* Responsibility for a large and highly skilled workforce