About the role
The General Manager Operations Engineering Shapes & Solutions (ES&S) EMEA will provide executive level direct-line leadership of all manufacturing sites within ES&S, ESC Tielt - Belgium, Vreden - Germany and Almelo - Netherlands, including environmental health and safety (EH&S) leadership.
What you will do
1. You define and execute the operational strategy across all ES&S sites in EMEA, including full ownership of budgets, mid-term planning, and long-term performance.
2. You lead and develop site leaders and operations teams, driving operational excellence through KPI-based performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.
3. You establish and enhance world-class operations, including the development of a high-performing service center with premium customer service standards.
4. You ensure outstanding safety, quality, and compliance standards, fostering a zero-incident safety culture and continuously improving quality processes.
5. As a key member of the leadership team, you drive cross-functional and international collaboration, aligning operations with business goals and delivering sustainable productivity and cost improvements.
What makes you a great fit
You don't need to meet every requirement to succeed here. We value potential, mindset, and willingness to learn and collaborate as much as experience.
What you bring
6. You bring extensive experience in operations or manufacturing leadership, ideally supported by a degree in engineering and/or an MBA.
7. You have a proven track record in leading multi-site operations within plastics, chemicals, or related industries, with experience in both discrete and continuous manufacturing.
8. You demonstrate strong expertise in EHS and Quality management, including hands-on experience in driving safety performance and Process Safety Management (PSM).
9. You are a strong and inspiring leader with the ability to coach and develop senior teams, combined with excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
10. You bring a continuous improvement mindset, with solid knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies, as well as strong commercial awareness to drive business performance.
Preferred but not essential
11. Language skill combination Dutch/English or German/English
What we offer you
12. EMEA bonus plan besides our fair salary benchmark
13. company car
14. 32 days of annual leave
15. Job bike leasing, company pension scheme and medical insurance plan
16. meal voucher
17. Strong career development through tailored learning opportunities, mentorship, and continuous support
Our company culture
Our culture is rooted in five core values: Integrity, Respect, Bravery, Collaboration and Ownership - we call it Our Way. These values guide how we work, innovate, and grow together.
We believe in the power of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. KAITEKI, our philosophy for the wellbeing of people, society, and the planet, strengthens our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
Ready to make a difference? Let's connect!
If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply by May 29th. Submit your application via our career portal and become part of a team working towards a better future through science and collaboration.
We look forward to getting to know you.