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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional manufacturing and create a high-performing team in a global company.
- Company: H.B. Fuller, the largest pureplay adhesives company worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Drive innovation and make a real impact in the chemical industry.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in engineering or operations management and senior leadership experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on safety and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller's innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring worldâchanging innovations to their end markets.
Position Overview
The Europe Sr. Operations Director will report directly to the Vice President of Global Operations. The primary responsibility will be to lead and drive regional manufacturing and create a highâperforming team. This will involve the development and execution of a comprehensive manufacturing strategy which links productivity and quality performance measures with the sales and marketing strategies of the company.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a Europe manufacturing strategy aligned with global growth and sales plans.
- Lead with EHS as a core value (not just a priority)âstrong on COMHA/process safety.
- Build and evolve a high-performance culture and leadership team across multiple cultures.
- Drive automation, LEAN, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement (SAP, MRP systems, asset monitoring, DCS familiarity).
- Evaluate and develop plant management talent â ECâ3 level evaluations.
- Oversee CAPEX decisions and facility upgrades.
- Support new product introduction with R&D and Commercial.
- Lead integration of new acquisitions.
- Eventually own the regional supply chain function.
- Ensure excellence in customer experience, productivity, and cost control.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's in engineering or operations management (mandatory).
- Senior leadership across multiple manufacturing plants, preferably in the chemical industry.
- Proven track record in driving change and process improvements; implementing automation and systems (SAP, MRP); developing and elevating talent.
- Deep knowledge of chemical manufacturing and EHS/COMHA compliance.
- Familiar with risk profiles in chemical and mechanical environments.
- Culturally aware of different countries in Europe.
- A collaborative, inclusive, and visible leadership style.
- Handsâon presence at sites; values shop floor engagement.
Senior Operations Director in Ashton-under-Lyne employer: H.B. Fuller
Contact Detail:
H.B. Fuller Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Director in Ashton-under-Lyne
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and donât be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes itâs not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent news. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to show how you can contribute to their mission of connecting what matters.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable with the process. We believe that the more you practice, the more natural it will feel when itâs time to shine.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We recommend expressing your enthusiasm for the role and reiterating how you can add value to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Director in Ashton-under-Lyne
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing strategy, leadership, and process improvements. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at H.B. Fuller!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our high-performance culture. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive change and improve processes. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youâre considered for the role. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at H.B. Fuller
â¨Know Your Manufacturing Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into H.B. Fuller's manufacturing strategy and how it aligns with global growth. Be ready to discuss how your experience in developing and executing similar strategies can contribute to their goals.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative and inclusive leadership style. Discuss how you've built high-performing teams across different cultures, as this is crucial for the role.
â¨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Familiarise yourself with LEAN, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've driven process improvements and implemented automation in previous roles.
â¨Engage with EHS Values
Understand the importance of EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) in the chemical industry. Be ready to discuss how you've prioritised safety in your past roles and how you plan to uphold these values at H.B. Fuller.
