Operations Director, Compression Systems & Services Europe
Role Overview
The CSS Operations Europe Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance and transformation of the CSS manufacturing, distribution and aftermarket network across Europe.
Reporting directly to the CSS Business Unit Leader, the role provides end-to-end accountability for operational execution, customer fulfillment, inventory performance, productivity, capital deployment and business growth.
The position leads a multi-site industrial network of 10+ locations and provides functional leadership across EMEIA Operations including EHS, Quality, Inventory & S&OP, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Strategic Footprint Development.
The role balances short-term operational execution with long-term enterprise transformation, driving operational excellence, acquisition integration, digitalization, AI adoption, footprint optimization and organizational capability building to support sustainable profitable growth across the region.
Beyond delivering operational excellence, the position plays a critical role in shaping the future operational footprint of the business, leading acquisition integrations, driving organizational transformation, and building scalable operations capable of supporting the company's long-term growth ambitions.
The role requires balancing short-term business performance with long-term strategic initiatives, while ensuring alignment across multiple countries, product lines, and operational models.
The role will also be expected to leverage emerging technologies, including automation, advanced analytics and AI, to accelerate operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and create a scalable foundation for future growth.
Full Job Posting
Responsibilities
- Strategic Operations & Business Transformation Develop and execute the European Operations strategy in alignment with overall CSS business objectives. Lead major business transformation initiatives, including manufacturing footprint optimization, site specialization, capacity expansion, and network redesign. Sponsor and lead post-acquisition integration activities, ensuring rapid operational alignment, realization of synergies, and successful cultural integration. Drive operational readiness and integration planning for future acquisitions and strategic growth initiatives. Lead complex cross-functional programs involving Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Commercial, Finance, HR, and Procurement. Establish a scalable operating model capable of ensuring business continuity planning and resilience strategies as well as support future business growth and market expansion. Enterprise Leadership Act as a key member of the CSS leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and decision-making. Influence business decisions through deep understanding of operational capabilities, risks, and opportunities. Partner with senior leaders across Europe and global functions to align priorities and accelerate execution. Represent Operations in strategic reviews, acquisition due diligence, integration governance, and investment decisions. Operational Excellence, Digitalization & AI Lead the adoption of advanced manufacturing, automation, digitalization, and AI-enabled solutions across the European operations network. Identify and scale opportunities to improve productivity, quality, planning accuracy, and decision-making through data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. Champion the development of a data-driven operating culture, leveraging technology to enhance operational visibility, efficiency, and business performance. Financial & Investment Leadership Own the operational P&L elements under responsibility and drive sustainable improvements in profitability, productivity, inventory, and asset utilization. Lead capital allocation decisions across the operations network. Build and execute multi-year investment roadmaps supporting footprint evolution, automation, capacity expansion, and productivity improvements. Ensure delivery of acquisition synergy targets and business case commitments. Responsibile for Inventory for entire CSS EMEIA BU, lead tactical and strategic plan to ensure effective inventory profile and improve inventory turn across all locations Talent & Organizational Capability Build a high-performing leadership organization across multiple countries and sites. Lead succession planning and talent development for plant leadership and key operational roles. Drive culture integration and organizational effectiveness during periods of growth, transformation, and acquisition activity. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer focus.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, or related field. MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred. 15+ years of progressive manufacturing and operations leadership experience within complex industrial environments. Significant experience leading multi-site operations across multiple countries. Proven success leading large-scale transformation programs, footprint optimization initiatives, and operational restructuring projects. Demonstrated experience integrating acquired businesses and leading organizations through significant change. Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience supporting strategic business decisions beyond plant-level operations. Experience leading leaders within a matrixed, international organization. Fluent English required. Additional language is a plus. Multicultural environment background experience is preferred. Travel & Work Arrangements/Requirements Willingness to travel up to 50% across Europe. Key Competencies Strong executive communication and stakeholder management capabilities. Experience leading digital transformation, automation, advanced analytics, or AI-enabled operational improvement initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, or related field. MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred. 15+ years of progressive manufacturing and operations leadership experience within complex industrial environments. Significant experience leading multi-site operations across multiple countries. Proven success leading large-scale transformation programs, footprint optimization initiatives, and operational restructuring projects. Demonstrated experience integrating acquired businesses and leading organizations through significant change. Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience supporting strategic business decisions beyond plant-level operations. Experience leading leaders within a matrixed, international organization. Fluent English required. Additional language is a plus. Multicultural environment background experience is preferred. Travel & Work Arrangements/Requirements Willingness to travel up to 50% across Europe. Key Competencies Strong executive communication and stakeholder management capabilities. Experience leading digital transformation, automation, advanced analytics, or AI-enabled operational improvement initiatives.
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