Head of Operations

On behalf of one of our international clients, a German manufacturer of advanced packaging machinery, we are seeking a hands-on and strategic Head of Operations to lead all operational functions for their North American entity.

This role serves as a key partner to executive leadership and the German parent company, ensuring operational efficiency, strong cross-functional alignment, and scalable processes to support business growth.

This is an ideal opportunity for a proactive operations leader who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment while managing a well-tenured team within a global organization.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Lead all North American operational functions including purchasing, inventory, shop floor, shipping/logistics, and service
• Develop and lead functional managers, ensuring accountability and cross-functional alignment
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Define, monitor, and improve key operational KPIs

Inventory, Supply Chain & Logistics

• Own inventory performance (accuracy, turnover, cycle counts, availability)
• Improve inventory planning, purchasing, and spare parts management
• Manage inbound shipments and coordination with German headquarters
• Oversee domestic and international shipping, including customs and export/import topics
• Improve scheduling, logistics, and delivery reliability

Shopfloor & Service Operations

• Oversee assembly scheduling, work orders, FATs, and SATs
• Coordinate closely with engineering on BOM releases
• Manage service scheduling and utilization of the North American service team
• Align service standards and training with global headquarters

Process, Performance & KPIs

• Identify bottlenecks and improve workflows across operations
• Implement scalable systems, standard work, and performance routines
• Lead KPI management using SQDCC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Cash)
• Establish regular performance reviews and reporting to North America leadership and HQ

Global Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with headquarters to align processes, standards, and best practices
• Balance global alignment with local operational effectiveness

Candidate profile:

• 5+ years of operations leadership experience (multi-function scope preferred).
• Experience in capital equipment, packaging machinery, or industrial manufacturing preferred.
• Experience managing service/aftermarket operations strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success improving process performance and operational KPIs in a hands-on leadership role.
• Proven ability to manage a financial budget
• Analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong people leadership, develops teams, drives accountability, and builds a performance culture.
• Hands-on, execution-oriented leadership style with the ability to operate strategically.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proven ability to drive change, implement process improvements, and sustain new ways of working.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management across functions and levels.
• Comfortable working in a global organization with international coordination requirements.