Group operational excellence and continuous improvement director
Pubblicato il 04-08-2026 - Open Executive Search u0026 Selection - Milan u0026 London in Provincia di Reggio Emilia
Group Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement Director | Emilia Romagna As Group operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement Director you will oversee the Group's global manufacturing standard and performance, ensuring excellence, standardization, global KPIs and continuous improvement actions across all plants. This role plays a pivotal part in driving industrial transformation through strong analytical capabilities, data-based decision making, and the ability to define clear priorities and actionable implementation plans.
Responsibilities and Activities: Global Governance & Manufacturing Performance Define and execute the global manufacturing strategy aligned with COO directives and the local GMs. Monitor and analyze core manufacturing KPIs (productivity, efficiency, scrap, OEE, industrial costs, process standardization). Objectively identify gaps and improvement opportunities, propose clear priorities, and drive execution plans with local organizations.
Leadership Across Global Plants
Ensure consistency of production processes, KPIs, and methodologies globally. Support plants in operational excellence initiatives and recovery plans across all geographies, with initial priority on the NAFTA region.
Continuous
Improvement & Strategic Projects Deploy structured CI programs, leveraging data analytics, process mapping, and standardized reporting. Drive cross-functional projects focused on quality,
productivity, cost optimization, and global harmonization. Travel & Global Engagement Ensure strong and visible presence across international plants (~50% travel). Strengthen operational discipline and accountability in high-priority regions, notably NAFTA.
What Are We Looking For: Experience in multinational industrial companies, ideally from a corporate/HQ role. Proven experience in discrete manufacturing, with solid exposure to assembly operations, stamping/molding processes, and highly verticalized manufacturing environments featuring strong internal production capabilities and minimal outsourcing.
Skills in injection mold construction, plastic molding, ultrasonic and radio‐frequency welding, advanced automation, vision inspection systems, and the pleating of non‐woven or paper materials. Familiarity with Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE)–related complexities is considered a plus. Strong command of manufacturing analytics, KPI systems, and CI methodologies (Lean, Op Ex, TPM, etc.).
Highly analytical and fully data-driven mindset. Strong ability to objectify issues, define priorities, and translate insights into executable plans. Hands-on, execution-focused leadership style. Ability to manage and influence teams across multiple plants and countries.
High flexibility and willingness to travel frequently.