International Operations Manager I The Netherlands (Textiles - Confidential)

<span>As the Manager of Operations at group level, you are responsible for the production output of all workshops, both those managed in-house and the third-party workshops where our client manufactures its products under own name in Macedonia, Tunisia and in other countries in Far East like India &amp; China.</span><br/><span>Your success is determined by incremental improvements in the mix of production enhancements, product quality, efficiency, costs, and on-time deliveries. Next to monitoring the ESG sustainability objectives of the group, for instance the social context of initiatives like Fair Wear.</span><br/><span>The Operations Manager is also expected to participate in the supply contingency plan, taking responsibility for its successful implementation and monitoring. </span><span> </span> <h3>Role</h3> <ul> <li>The candidate's crucial responsibility is to synchronize three key elements of the role to achieve optimal efficiency: Goods flows, Information flows (efficiency, service levels, quality...), and Financial flows ('cost of goods,' working capital...). Balancing the associated goals of these three elements determines the success of the role.</li><li>The role encompasses strategic focus and optimization of the workshop landscape, digital landscape, and ESG leadership (e.g., Fair Wear).</li><li>Tactically, there's a focus on transversal optimization of planning, supply chain, segmentation in line with customer segmentation, sourcing policy, and execution, including local sourcing where appropriate.</li><li>Operationally, focus areas include workshop efficiency management, CMT, RMG (controlled outsourcing), and embedded quality control.</li><br/><li>Although its headquarters are located in the south of The Netherlands<u>,</u> <u>this role is open to any European candidate open to frequent international business trips.</u></li><br/><li>Key qualifications include strong textile/confection knowledge, including LEAN, excellent structuring and planning skills, the ability to convince and grow people, hands-on approach, preferably multilingual, and trustworthy.</li><br/><li>You report to the CEO and act as a central figure, ensuring close coordination between sourcing, planning, and the companies.</li></ul> <h3>Profile</h3> <ul> <li>A bachelor's or master's degree and 10 years of relevant international operations work experience in Advanced Materials, Fine Chemicals, Food production, a textile-related field (Fabric Suppliers, Protective Fabrics, Furniture Fabrics, Wallpaper, Tent Fabrics, Sail Fabrics...) and/or in textile production and supply chain management.</li><li>Analytical strength and the ability to convey insights to others.</li><li>Result-oriented with the ability to motivate others to achieve results.</li><li>Strong experience leading teams in a matrix organization and driving required KPIs.</li><li>Good team player with natural leadership skills.</li><li>Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with good empathy.</li><li>Proactive, well-organized, and high energy.</li><li>Solution minded.</li><li>Knowledge of the Far East is important.</li><li>Experience in a similar role is a significant advantage.</li><li>Fluent in English. Knowledge of French and Dutch is a strong plus.</li></ul>