CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for production capacity, logistics, and technical excellence. The role has a dual mission: to ensure on-time production delivery (Execution) and to continuously reduce system losses (Continuous Improvement).
1. Strategic Purpose of the Role
The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for standardizing and optimizing production, logistics, and procurement (Supply Chain) activities across the Group’s 8 companies and 10–12 locations.
The role acts as a guarantor of execution capability, with the specific objective of transforming the Group’s diversity into a competitive advantage by implementing a culture of Operational Excellence (OpEx) and maximizing the return on industrial assets.
2. Executive and Strategic Responsibilities
A. Industrial Governance and Continuous Improvement (Lean / Kaizen)
Standardization and Quality: Defines unified technical standards across all production units, eliminating performance disparities between plants and ensuring consistent final product quality. Process Optimization (Waste Reduction): Implements Lean Manufacturing / Kaizen methodologies to reduce operational losses (scrap, waiting times, obsolete inventory) and increase labor productivity. Industrial KPIs: Monitors Group-wide performance indicators, with a strong focus on OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and Unit Production Cost, reporting deviations directly to the Board.B. Integrated Supply Chain and Group Synergies
Centralized Procurement (Procurement Synergy): Coordinates Group-level procurement strategies for raw materials, energy, and equipment, achieving economies of scale and reducing operating costs (EBITDA impact). Logistics Footprint Optimization: Redesigns logistics flows between the 10–12 locations and customers, implementing efficient systems (e.g. Just-in-Time) to balance transportation costs with delivery speed.C. Asset and Investment Management (CAPEX)
Smart Re-Tooling: Assesses re-tooling and modernization needs and proposes the CAPEX plan to the Board, prioritizing investments that deliver automation and a clearly defined ROI (Return on Investment). Predictive Maintenance: Oversees the transition from reactive maintenance to preventive/predictive maintenance at Group level, minimizing unplanned downtime. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE): Ensures full operational compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations across all Group facilities.D. Executive Steering and On-Site Presence
Rapid Intervention: Holds the mandate to intervene directly in the operational flows of any subsidiary experiencing major disruptions. Synchronization (S&OP): Works closely with the Commercial Director and the Chief Performance Officer to align production capacity with market demand.Candidate Profile
Experience
Minimum 10 years of experience in senior operational leadership roles (COO, Operations Director, Industrial / Plant Director). Relevant experience in manufacturing / industrial / construction-related industries. Proven experience in managing multiple plants or entities (multi-site, holding structures). Strong background in operational optimization, Lean Manufacturing / Kaizen, and continuous improvement. Exposure to integrated supply chain management and CAPEX management. Experience in reporting to the Board / shareholders.Professional Competencies
Strong knowledge of industrial operations management. Mastery of key KPIs: OEE, production cost, scrap, efficiency. Ability to standardize processes and drive performance improvement at Group level. Solid understanding of logistics, maintenance, and production flows.Personal Skills
Strong leadership, execution- and results-oriented. Professional authority and strong on-site presence. Structured thinking, sound decision-making ability, and resilience. High availability for mobility and on-site factory work.Education
Technical higher education (Engineering or similar). MBA / Lean certifications – an advantage. English – advanced level.
Thank you for your interest in this professional opportunity! Please note that you will be contacted by an Antal recruiter only if your experience matches the role you applied for. Your CV will be kept in our database for future professional opportunities that may be suitable for the next step in your career.
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