Operations Manager

Our international client, a large manufacturer of industrial equipment, recently acquired a local company in order to expand into the Dutch market. They are now looking for an Operations Manager to manage the day to day operation of the company and to help with the integration and aligning of the new business with the vision, mission and values of the mother company.

Job Profile       

The Operations Manager is the most senior associate of the mother company at the local facility on a day to day basis. They will be expected to portray a strong representation of the mother company’s values. In collaboration with the Integration Program manager, they will ensure that integration goals and objectives are accomplished within a prescribed timeframe. They will be responsible for daily business KPI’s and ensure a zero customer disappointment policy.

The responsibilities of the Operations Manager will include but not be limited to:

• Operate the facility on a day to day basis demonstrating the mother company’s values, leadership, decision making authority and attention to safety.
• Ensure day to day business activities are managed effectively and a zero customer disappointment objective is met.
• Working in collaboration with the Program Director and Integration program manager, help ensure the appropriate balance of running the business as well as integrating the business.
• Ensure adequate ramp capacity is available for the mother company’s distributor introduction and launch.
• Participate in integration programs and manage local implementation activities to transform the business via integration efforts.
• Establish KPI’s aimed at embedding the mother company’s values.
• Establish, track and report key business metrics.
• Regularly communicate day to day business updates, integration plans and achievements between the local facility and the mother company.
• Be an active member of the integration Stakeholder and Steering team with leadership expectations.
• Establish objectives for the team, regularly review progress and establish development plans.
• Assess leadership capability for the team members and develop a succession plan.
• Actively seek to capture key learnings during the integration process so these ideas can be applied to further integration activities.
• Oversee responsibilities to local accounting, purchase ledger, and cost controlling activities and set up monthly financial reporting in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Regularly review manning levels to ensure appropriate resources are employed to meet customer expectations and integration objectives.
• Promote and maintain an environment where associates are trusted, respected and treated fairly.
• Manage integration team site visits and mentor individuals to heighten awareness of the importance of role modeling the mother company’s values and considering the opinions of the new local associates in decision making.
• Oversee responsibilities related to the facility, contractors, maintenance, PR opportunities and site tours.
• Manage local routines (HR, commercial, certifications, government requirements).

Candidate Profile

• MUST possess excellent written and spoken communication skills in both English and Dutch.
• MUST have 5 to 10 years experience in a management role with related products and manufacturing processes, holding positions of increasing responsibility that provide substantial contact with a variety customers, internal departments and industry segments.
• Must possess a BSc. Degree in a technical/engineering discipline, a Master’s degree is an advantage. Appropriate continuous education is expected.
• Prior customer contact/service and cost estimation/quoting experience are preferred and knowledge of compliance and certifications is beneficial.
• A broad understanding of business practices including Accounting basics, Cost Management and Reporting, MRP Systems, Production Management tools, Process Control and Quality Management tools is required.
• Knowledge of Advanced manufacturing strategies in a low volume environment are beneficial.
• Proven abilities in leadership including evaluating, encouraging, motivating, disciplining and awarding others.
• Demonstrated innovative thinking and sound judgement.
• Demonstrated ability to complete major projects and to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Advanced problem solving and significant decision making abilities.
• Business acumen.
• Customer centric.
• Self awareness: Self confidence.
• Self management: Initiative, adaptability, emotional self control.
• Social awareness: Service orientation, organisational awareness.
• Relationship management: Influence, Teamwork and Collaboration, Conflict management, change catalyst, developing others, inspirational leadership.