Actual Talent is the talent acquisition consultancy that offers Executive Search, RPO and Talent Solutions.

Our purpose is to drive the growth and fulfillment of individuals and organizations. We facilitate individuals in finding inspiring opportunities and help organizations discover professionals who will take them to the next level. We do this through talent acquisition and development solutions that focus on people, diversity and inclusion, innovation, and cutting-edge technology.

About the client:

European Industrial Operations | Automotive Components

We are supporting a confidential executive search for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to lead the operational transformation and performance of an international manufacturing organisation operating within the automotive components industry.

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a hands-on operations executive with the ambition and capability to drive operational excellence, strengthen industrial performance and deliver sustainable business growth across a complex, multi-site environment.

Job description:
THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will assume broad responsibility for the organisation's manufacturing operations, operational performance and transformation agenda.

The successful candidate will lead an international network of manufacturing sites, working closely with plant leadership teams and cross-functional stakeholders to enhance productivity, profitability, quality and operational resilience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead multi-site manufacturing operations, ensuring strong performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, people and cash.

• Drive operational transformation through Lean Manufacturing, OEE improvement, productivity initiatives and cost optimisation.

• Strengthen plant performance, accountability and standardised operating systems across the manufacturing network.

• Develop and execute the operations strategy, including capacity planning, footprint optimisation and industrial investment decisions.

• Ensure effective S&OP, production planning and alignment between customer demand and manufacturing capabilities.

• Strengthen industrialisation, programme launches and serial production performance.

• Drive continuous improvement in plant profitability, operational efficiency and working capital.

• Build, develop and align an international team of plant and operations leaders.

• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership team to deliver strategic business objectives.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Further information regarding the organisation, operational footprint and strategic mandate will be shared confidentially during the selection process.

Interested in exploring this opportunity?

Please contact me directly for a confidential conversation.

Actual Talent | Executive Search & Talent Solutions

Requirements:

We are looking for a senior operations executive with:

• Significant experience leading multi-site manufacturing operations in automotive components or a comparable industrial environment.

• Proven responsibility for P&L, operational transformation and performance improvement.

• International experience managing manufacturing operations across different markets and production environments.

• Strong technical understanding of industrial manufacturing processes, ideally within rubber, elastomers, extrusion, fluid systems or related technologies.

• A demonstrated track record of improving operational performance and leading underperforming sites through transformation.

• Experience with automotive production, industrialisation, customer requirements and quality standards.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including cost management, profitability, CAPEX and working capital.

• A hands-on, pragmatic and accountable leadership style.

• The ability to influence, challenge and align stakeholders across a complex organisation.

• Fluency in English and willingness to travel internationally.

What we offer:

• A strategic leadership position within an international industrial organisation.

• The opportunity to influence operational performance and long-term business transformation.

• Direct exposure to senior leadership and key business decisions.

• A challenging, high-impact environment where operational leadership can create measurable value.