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Director Operations Automotive Europe

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Gießen
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need 10+ years in automotive manufacturing, a Master’s in engineering, strong business acumen, expertise in Lean and automation, fluency in German and English, and excellent communication skills.
  • You will lead teams to achieve operational excellence, implement growth strategies, drive cost reduction and productivity improvements, and collaborate across functions while mentoring future leaders.

Requirements

  • A seasoned leader with 10+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing.
  • Possess a Master’s degree in engineering or a related field, coupled with strong business acumen.
  • A strategic thinker with proven success in Lean management, digitalization, and automation.
  • Fluent in German and English, with exceptional communication skills at all levels.
  • A relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative, team-based culture.

Responsibilities

  • Lead with Purpose: Inspire and guide a talented team of Plant Managers (5 Manufacturing Plans and 1 Distribution Center) and technical leaders to achieve operational excellence and foster a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Strategic Vision: Develop and implement growth strategies that align with our corporate goals and customer focus while ensuring compliance with all local and corporate regulations.
  • Drive Change: Champion Lean, Digital, and Automation methodologies to enhance efficiency and quality, ensuring we stay ahead of industry competition.
  • Cost Reduction: Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives across all operations, optimizing processes and resource allocation to improve profitability without compromising quality.
  • Productivity Improvement: Support project plans for implementing automation and connected factory tools in the plants, driving productivity improvements and operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate Across Functions: Work closely with Finance, HR, Quality, IT, and Sales to create a cohesive strategy that maximizes our operational capabilities.
  • Mentor and Develop Talent: Build a strong bench of future leaders through effective training, support, and performance management, while maintaining a climate of appreciation that motivates and retains top talent.

FAQs

What are the main responsibilities of the Director of Operations Automotive Europe?

The main responsibilities include leading a team of Plant Managers, developing and implementing growth strategies, driving change through Lean, Digital, and Automation methodologies, identifying cost reduction initiatives, supporting productivity improvements, collaborating across functions, and mentoring future leaders.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates should possess a Master’s degree in engineering or a related field, along with 10+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, strong business acumen, and proven success in Lean management, digitalization, and automation.

Is fluency in languages required for this role?

Yes, fluency in both German and English is required, along with exceptional communication skills at all levels.

What kind of work environment can employees expect?

Employees can expect a collaborative, team-based culture that fosters innovation and operational excellence within a dynamic and diverse global organization.

Are there opportunities for career development in this role?

Yes, there are multiple career paths available within the global company, offering opportunities for professional growth and development.

What benefits and perks does Stanley Black & Decker offer?

The company offers a competitive salary, unique entitlements and benefits specific to the country of hire, access to learning and development resources, and a diverse and inclusive culture.

How does Stanley Black & Decker contribute to the community?

The company is committed to making positive changes in local communities through volunteerism, giving back, and sustainable business practices.

What is the team's size that the Director of Operations will oversee?

The Director of Operations will oversee a dedicated workforce of approximately 900 employees across multiple factories.

What is the location for this position?

The position is located in Giessen, Germany.

Does the company support innovation and technology?

Yes, Stanley Black & Decker is committed to advancing the manufacturing trade through innovative technology and its Industry 4.0 Initiative, focusing on creating "smart factory" products and services.

Mission & Purpose

For the builders and protectors, for the makers and explorers, for those shaping and reshaping our world through hard work and inspiration, Stanley Black & Decker provides the tools and innovative solutions you can trust to get the job done—and we have since 1843. You repair your home and car with the tools we provide. Your car and your phone are secured with our fasteners. And the roads you drive on, the bridges you cross, the energy you consume, all of these most likely came to you via one of our infrastructure systems. We join forces to bring together the best of the best to create practical, meaningful products and services that make life easier—empowering people to do better, safer, more significant work. Innovation and excellence have powered our success, but we know there’s more we can do for the world and those who make it. Across our businesses, we’re investing in breakthrough innovation and digital excellence, striving for outperformance and increasing our focus on social responsibility. We define success as: delivering value to our customers, colleagues and communities. Our commitment to quality, safety and sustainability helps us on our path to becoming the type of uniquely human-centered global industrial company that keeps every stakeholder in mind, while helping to make the world better.