Job title: Director of Operations – EMEA Location: Germany or the United Kingdom About the client and role Our client, a leading global Tier 1 Automotive Supplier, is seeking a Director of Operations – EMEA to spearhead and optimize the company’s manufacturing, supply chain, and operational performance across the EMEA region. This role is pivotal in ensuring operational excellence, alignment with corporate strategy, and consistent delivery of customer and stakeholder value. This executive leadership position will serve as a key member of the senior management team, playing an integral role in business transformation and cross-regional collaboration. Responsibilities Lead and manage regional operations, encompassing manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, quality, and industrial engineering functions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all EMEA facilities to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) targets are met or exceeded. Develop and execute regional operational strategies aligned with global business objectives and customer requirements. Oversee plant performance, ensuring optimal resource utilization, lean manufacturing principles, and operational scalability. Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor productivity, efficiency, and profitability. Foster a high-performance culture across multi-site teams, promoting accountability, leadership development, and employee engagement. Ensure compliance with environmental, health & safety (EHS), and regulatory standards across all operational sites. Collaborate closely with commercial, R&D, finance, and HR teams to support cross-functional alignment and growth initiatives. Manage operational budgets, capital expenditure plans, and strategic investments across the region. Act as the key interface with OEM customers for operational matters, ensuring delivery excellence and satisfaction. Skills and Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related discipline. 15 years of progressive experience in operations within the automotive Tier 1 supply sector, with at least 5 years in a senior regional leadership role. Proven experience overseeing multiple manufacturing sites across EMEA or international territories. Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, supply chain management, and quality systems (IATF 16949, ISO 14001, etc.). Strategic thinker with a track record of driving operational transformation and cost optimization. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills in multicultural environments. Fluent in English; German is highly desirable. Willingness to travel across EMEA (up to 50%). About CLM At CLM, we’re obsessed with creating a better executive search experience for our candidates and clients in the automotive industry. With over 25 years of international experience providing staffing solutions at C-Suite, Leadership, and Management level, we go above and beyond to ensure your needs always come first. Unfortunately, due to the high level of applications, we are not physically able to get back to every candidate that applies. Please follow our CLM page https://www.clmsearch.com/careers/ for regular job updates, and we hope to support you with your next venture.