Head of Operations EMEA

The position

As Head of Operations EMEA, you will serve as the strategic operations leader for the business unit Industrial Distribution in the EMEA-region. Reporting directly to the Managing Director Growth Markets, you will oversee operations, end-to-end supply chain, QHSE, and customer service within the business unit. Your primary hub will be the operational facility in Barendrecht, The Netherlands, with the responsibility to lead future footprint extensions into countries. Because this role oversees multi-site international teams, significant European mobility is required.

You will play a crucial role in driving strategic initiatives to delight customers, while ensuring smooth overall operations at the lowest possible costs. Here below is an overview of the full scope of this challenging role.

Operations & Supply Chain Management:

• Network & Footprint Optimization: You will adapt operations, capacity, and supply chain (localization, footprint, make-or-buy agenda) to match the strategic interests and agility required by customers.
• Inventory & Distribution: You will take full responsibility for end-to-end inventory management, utilize ABC-XYZ analysis to optimize inventory levels, balancing stock availability against customer delivery expectations to maximize cashflow.
• Supplier Performance: You own key supplier relationships, are managing pricing contracts, risk, dual sourcing, quality, OTIF, and long-term supplier development.  

Continuous Improvement & Lean Leadership:

• Lean Methodologies: Lead Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives across sites using Lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, and Value Stream Mapping to eliminate waste and reduce lead times.
• Efficiency & Productivity: Monitor and manage machine OEE as well as warehouse process effectiveness. Drive automation and digitization to improve workflows and reduce direct and indirect labor costs.
• Problem-Solving: Implement root-cause problem-solving techniques like 5 Why’s and Fishbone Analysis to permanently resolve inefficiencies and phase out unnecessary SKUs.

QHSE & Sustainability Management

• Safety First: Ensure employees' safety, engagement, and development. You will target zero lost time incidents, implement 5S, and conduct regular safety toolbox meetings.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Develop and execute a roadmap to achieve a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions.
• Quality & Compliance: Maintain and upgrade documentation within the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems. Oversee sustainability reporting platforms (such as EcoVadis), CSR action plans, and regulatory compliance such as EUDR due diligence.

People Management & Customer Service:

• Leadership Development: Lead, train, and develop operations staff, fostering a culture of performance, ownership, resilience, and teamwork while also developing employees beyond the first line of management.

Customer Excellence: Oversee the regional customer service team, managing complaint resolution through case tracking systems (Salesforce) to increase customer satisfaction and achieve On-Time Delivery targets (>96%).

About the company

Justrite Safety Group is a leading global manufacturer and provider of comprehensive industrial safety solutions. Founded in 1906, the organization started with a mission to create safer storage solutions for flammable liquids, marked by their iconic Justrite Safety Can.

Over the last century, the company has grown significantly, evolving into an umbrella organization that runs a diverse collection of top-tier safety brands. Today, Justrite operates with around 1,600 employees across 17 manufacturing plants and 29 office locations globally, with its European EMEA headquarters strategically based in Barendrecht, The Netherlands.

About you

For this role, we are looking for a strong, change-oriented, and hands-on operational leader who thrives in a demanding (corporate) environment characterized by a matrix organization, strict reporting, firm deadlines, and aggressive ambitions.

Additionally, you have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, Operations Management or similar.
• A minimum of 10 years experience in an international operations management role (warehouse, manufacturing and distribution) with a proven track record of leading and transforming multi-site industrial operations.
• Experience in managing transportation (TL, LTL Carriers, Intermodal, Parcel), procurement, and end-to-end supply chain optimization. Experience working within a union environment is highly desired.
• Fluency in speaking and writing in English is mandatory. Skills in, and knowledge of Dutch and/or Italian are considered a strong plus.
• Willingness to travel significantly within Europe to maintain a strong local presence on various operational sites.

Personal Characteristics:

• Strategic thinker with a commercial and customer-centric mindset who understands the financial consequences of operational decisions.
• Natural connector and resilient leader, capable of driving a high-performance culture.
• Highly analytical mindset, utilizing data, metrics, and KPIs to make informed business choices.
• Pragmatic, structured, and decisive under pressure.