Chief Operating Officer - Industrial - Manufacturing Process Chemical

The COO will be ultimately responsible for the three manufacturing sites in the North East, Netherlands and Belgium and two Distribution Centres in the Netherlands and UK. The COO will be responsible for every element of the supply chain, IT and compliance. The COO will work very closely and cooperatively with the commercial teams across Europe to deliver on our customers’ expectations.

Our three manufacturing sites and processes are similar but each has its own particular area of expertise and the COO will drive collaboration between the teams to drive efficiency across the overall business.

Our supply chain is equipped to cope flexibly with our varied mix of customers. From direct to store parcel deliveries to the major European DIY retailers, to full trailers shipped to our industrial distributors in most European countries. Our product range and customer tailored approach from all three plants means we have an incredibly complex range of products and service offers.

We currently run three ERP systems and the COO will be expected to oversee the transition to one.

The COO will work very closely with the CEO to deliver agreed growth initiatives across the business. A major area of growth will be an ecommerce based dropship offer and experience of building or operating this type of service offer would be invaluable.

As part of a global business, headquartered in the US, the COO will work closely with operational leadership from the parent company and ensure centre led initiatives are delivered across the EMEA operations.

Objectives of this Role:

• In collaboration with the CEO, the COO will be responsible for the development of an operational strategy that supports through measurable KPIs the organizational vision and commercial strategy.
• Develop a score card of KPIs at the business level and facility level that measure the effectiveness of the strategy as measured by business growth and increased output efficiency.
• Oversee company operations and employee productivity:
  • Inclusivity as defined by the Values of 168
  • Implement MS-168 practices and management fundamentals are employed at all operating facilities and verify effectiveness via regular audit against those principles
    • Well defined RACI
    • Tiered meeting system
    • Demonstrated reliability of operations via KPIs
    • Demonstrated continuous improvement via KPIs
    • Developed SIOP process for all operational planning
  • Support supply chain in conjunction with RPM  center-led procurement personnel
  • Develop purchasing, engineering, and planning organizations that support the operational strategy and whose effectiveness is demonstrated through business KPIs.
• Ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and retention verified through developed KPIs
• Adhere to 168 Expectations and Values in all business decisions and operations.
• Drive collaboration across the organisation as measured by the extent facilities share and reflect best practices.

Manage the capital investment program across Europe ensuring facilities are maintained as verified by KPIs of facility reliability and that growth is supported with projects with appropriate IRR, and the facilities remain competitive as measured by efficiency KPIs.

The ideal candidate will already be working in a senior operational manufacturing capacity at the moment either demonstrated for another well-respected speciality coating or paint manufacturer, or large chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturer. 

Candidates will have significant multi-site manufacturing leadership experience, preferably undertaken at European level, with a proven track-record of helping a similar global business to improve their European manufacturing activities, whilst simultaneously ensuring that supply-chain efficiencies have been maximised to ensure continued growth objectives. Candidates will be manufacturing focussed, with sound ERP/SAP IT integration experience, and will possess strong man-management and leadership capabilities to ensure that each manufacturing facility is performing at its most effective level. 

Ideal candidates will have least 10 years senior operational manufacturing leadership experience, preferably demonstrated at European level, and will hold a degree in Chemical Engineering/Manufacturing.