Senior Operations Manager / Head of Operations (P&L Management Responsibility, Automotive industry)

Position Summary

The Senior Operations Manager / Head of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing overall plant operations, supporting business performance, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth. This role oversees key functional areas including Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, Program Management, and Commercial support activities, ensuring alignment with global standards and strategic business objectives.

The successful candidate will drive operational performance, develop high-performing teams, strengthen customer relationships, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to support the plant's long-term success and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Business & P&L Leadership

• Support overall plant business performance, including revenue growth, cost optimization, profitability improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to the development and execution of business strategies aligned with corporate objectives and customer requirements.
• Participate in the planning and management of annual operating plans, budgets, forecasts, and capital investment initiatives.
• Monitor key business and operational metrics and drive improvement actions to support the achievement of plant objectives.

Operations Leadership

• Lead all plant operations, including Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Procurement, Program Management, and related support functions.
• Ensure operational excellence in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and eliminate waste.
• Establish performance objectives and accountability across all functional teams.

Commercial & Customer Management

• Support business development activities and strategic customer engagements.
• Build strong relationships with key customers and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Lead customer escalation management and drive timely resolution of quality, delivery, and commercial issues.
• Collaborate with Sales and Commercial teams to support growth opportunities and new business acquisition.

Program & Supply Chain Management

• Oversee successful launch and execution of new programs and product transfers.
• Ensure robust supply chain performance through effective planning, procurement, inventory management, and supplier development.
• Mitigate operational and supply chain risks while ensuring business continuity.

Leadership & Organization Development

• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and mentor managers to enhance organizational capability and succession readiness.

Compliance, Quality & ESG

• Ensure compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, customer, and corporate requirements.
• Champion Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), Quality, and ESG initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with IATF 16949, ISO standards, and customer-specific requirements.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Management, or a related discipline;
• Minimum 20 years of experience in the automotive manufacturing industry, including extensive experience within Tier 1 suppliers.
• Proven experience leading multi-functional manufacturing operations with full P&L accountability.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in Head of Operations, Operations Director, or equivalent senior management roles.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, quality, supply chain, procurement, program management, and commercial operations.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence, profitability improvement, and organizational transformation.
• Deep knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, cost structures, and business performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and customer-facing skills.
• Experience working within a global matrix organization.
• Fluent English communication skills.