Operations Manager (Expat) – Manufacturing Site in Romania

About the role

We are seeking an Operations Manager (Expat) to lead our manufacturing site in Brașov, Romania. The role combines hands‑on shop‑floor leadership with strategic responsibility for production, supply chain, quality, safety, HR and finance.

Key responsibilities

• Take full ownership of plant operations, covering Production, Planning & Supply Chain, Maintenance, Quality, HSE, HR and Finance.
• Ensure smooth end‑to‑end processes, guaranteeing on‑time delivery and optimal material flow.
• Coach, train and challenge floor teams, fostering ownership, decision‑making and performance.
• Build a strong leadership team, driving accountability and a high‑performance culture.
• Drive operational excellence and Lean Manufacturing (Kaizen mindset) across the site.
• Improve efficiency, productivity and cost performance while managing the plant budget, cost structure and profitability.
• Implement and monitor clear KPIs and performance dashboards.
• Strengthen alignment between purchasing, planning, production and logistics.
• Promote a Zero Harm safety culture and lead automation, digitalisation and continuous‑improvement initiatives.

Required profile

• 5–10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership as an Operations, Plant or Production Manager.
• Hands‑on, shop‑floor oriented leader with a strong drive to develop people.
• Excellent communicator able to explain decisions and motivate change.
• Solid business and financial understanding (P&L, costing, CAPEX).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Structured, data‑driven mindset with focus on KPIs and performance management.
• Ambitious, action‑oriented and resilient in a dynamic, multinational setting.
• Fluent English; Romanian is a plus or willingness to learn.

Required skills

• Lean Manufacturing
• Kaizen methodology
• KPI management
• Budgeting and cost control
• CAPEX analysis and ROI evaluation
• Automation and digitalisation initiatives
• Continuous improvement techniques

What we offer

• Competitive salary with fringe benefits.
• Opportunities for career growth within a fast‑growing, international group.
• Dynamic, innovative environment focused on sustainable entrepreneurship.