Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional manufacturing and create a high-performing team in the adhesives sector.
- Company: Join H.B. Fuller, the world's largest pureplay adhesives company with a $3.5 billion revenue.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, opportunities for growth, and a focus on safety and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven company that connects what matters and drives world-changing innovations.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s in engineering or operations management; senior leadership experience in manufacturing required.
- Other info: Hands-on presence at sites is essential; cultural awareness across Europe is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2023 revenue of $3.5 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,000 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 world-changing 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 high performing 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 Europe manufacturing strategy aligned with global growth and sales plans.
- Lead with EHS as a core value (not just a priority) – strong 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 – EC-3 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.
- 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.
- Hands-on presence at sites; values shop floor engagement.
- Sector knowledge: glass, infrastructure, composites, roofing, flooring.
Senior Operations Director - Construction Adhesives employer: H.B. Fuller
Contact Detail:
H.B. Fuller Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Director - Construction Adhesives
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with H.B. Fuller's core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to safety and innovation will help you align your experience and leadership style with what they value most in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience with LEAN, Six Sigma, and automation in your discussions. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented these methodologies in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Senior Operations Director position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your cultural awareness and experience working across different European markets. This role requires a leader who can navigate diverse teams, so be ready to discuss how you've effectively managed multicultural environments in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to talent development and team building. As this role involves evaluating and developing plant management talent, sharing your strategies for fostering high-performance cultures will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Director - Construction Adhesives
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly in manufacturing and the chemical sector. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific achievements related to process improvements and automation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, connect your background to H.B. Fuller's mission and values. Discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on safety, quality, and innovation in manufacturing. Be sure to mention your familiarity with EHS compliance and cultural awareness across Europe.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you've built high-performance teams and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative leadership style and any specific methodologies you’ve implemented, such as LEAN or Six Sigma.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your educational background, especially your degree in engineering or operations management. Mention any additional certifications or training that relate to manufacturing processes, automation, or supply chain management.
How to prepare for a job interview at H.B. Fuller
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Senior Operations Director, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing diverse teams across different cultures.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in chemical manufacturing, automation, and process improvement methodologies like LEAN and Six Sigma. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these strategies in past positions and the impact they had on productivity and quality.
✨Align with Company Values
H.B. Fuller places a strong emphasis on EHS as a core value. Prepare to discuss how you prioritise safety and compliance in your operations. Share examples of how you've fostered a culture of safety and continuous improvement in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about challenges you've faced in manufacturing settings and how you approached them. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and lead effectively under pressure.
