Operations Director- Connection Systems EMEA

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Director Operations – Connection Systems EMEA

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead the Connection Systems business across the EMEA region. This role is responsible for defining and executing the operational strategy, driving operational excellence, and leading a diverse, multi-site manufacturing and supply chain organisation.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping the regional footprint, developing leadership capability, and ensuring world‑class performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people

Key Responsibilities

• Define, create, and implement operations strategies, policies, and procedures for the Connection Systems EMEA division to achieve industry‑leading operational excellence
• Provide leadership to Plant Managers, the Regional Supply Chain Manager, and the Regional Industrial Engineering Manager, fostering a strong performance culture and developing robust succession pipelines
• Lead footprint and manufacturing strategy, including product placement, capacity planning, and production transfer initiatives
• Partner closely with functional leaders across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR to deliver shared EMEA objectives and cross‑functional projects
• Own and drive operational performance across key KPIs, including:
  • P&L performance
  • Operational Income (OI %)
  • Quality metrics
  • Health & Safety
  • Continuous Improvement savings
  • Inventory and ATR
  • Equipment OEE
• Optimize utilization of equipment, facilities, and workforce to ensure maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness
• Oversee plant layouts, equipment installations, workflow optimization, assembly methods, and workforce planning across the EMEA manufacturing footprint
• Develop and deploy operational programs, systems, and procedures; assess feasibility of improvements and ensure audit and compliance readiness
• Lead supply chain management strategy, including warehousing and freight cost optimization
• Ensure successful project launches, meeting all APR commitments with zero operational deviation
• Create and implement operations strategies, policies and procedures for the Connection Systems EMEA division to meet the expected level of operational excellence

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Technical University degree
• Extensive experience over multiple years in Operational management, preferably in Terminal & Connectors business
• Strong people leader skills, willingness to build and develop a team of A Players
• Ability to build cooperative relations across all functions and departments
• Knowledge in:

• Operations/manufacturing in a capital-intensive business
• Stamping and Injection Moulding
• Quality and Engineering processes, methods and tools, such as APQP, DFMEA, DFSS, FEM