Refractory Operations Director-Silivri-Turkiye

Refractory Operations Director 
Silivri-Turkiye

Our client serves three core markets: Refractory Solutions, Foundry & Metal Flow, and Absorbents. With 35 plants worldwide and over 2500 employees in 33 countries, they provide customized and innovative solutions. Leveraging over 100 years of expertise, they foster a positive impact by promoting teamwork, customer orientation, and a proactive mindset. 

Role Overview:

Due to an ongoing transfer of business shares to our client, they are now looking for an Operations Director, a newly created position. Following the successful definition of the roadmap, the Operations Director will lead all operations and directly manage the production managers to execute and deliver the roadmap. This position reports directly to the COO.

As Operations Director, you will manage operations to achieve the highest customer satisfaction in quality and service, while optimizing costs in a safe environment. This role oversees two main activities: manufacturing of brick refractories with an average annual production of 45,000 tons and a workforce of 130 people at one plant, and manufacturing of monolithic refractories and preformed refractory shapes with an average annual production of 30,000 tons and a workforce of 40 people at another plant, both plants at the same location. Additionally, centralized maintenance shared between both sites involves an extra 50 people. 

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:
  • Ensure environment, health, and safety standards across the sites, complying with regulations and group protocols.
  • Develop the site’s industrial plan in coordination with the COO and EMEA Operations Director, supported by the Center of Excellence, EHS Director, Project Director, and EMEA S&OP.
  • Lead site operations optimization to address competitiveness, demand requirements, flexibility, and lead-time reduction through continuous improvement programs.
  • Participate in budgeting, forecasting, S&OP, and industrial reviews.
  • Manage all aspects of operations including production, planning, maintenance, warehousing, industrial projects/capex, process improvement, quality, productivity, energy consumption optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Manage QC/QA teams to ensure customer service quality and prevent claims.
  • Coordinate with the purchasing organization for raw materials, packaging, transport, industrial equipment, services, and chemicals.
  • Be supported by finance and HR business partners.
Accountabilities:
  • Continuous improvement in safety performance (TIFR & LTA)
  • Continuous improvement program/action plan with targeted savings
  • Customer satisfaction metrics: OTIF, lead times, quality results
  • Employee engagement and satisfaction
  • Year-over-year net cost reduction, productivity improvement, and budget adherence
  • Compliance with company routines, policies, and legal requirements
Decision-Making Authority:
  • Can stop operations if there is a danger to human health or property.
  • Decisions in line with certification instructions.
  • Requires immediate supervisor approval for other significant decisions. 
Requierements:
  • Engineer or equivalent
  • Proven experience in similar industries with comparable processes, such as refractories, construction bricks, tiles, ceramics, cement, etc.
  • 10 years of experience in manufacturing management, with a customer-oriented organization
  • Ability to work in an international and matrix organization
  • Recognized management skills, with the ability to manage teams across multiple sites
  • Extensive knowledge of operations aspects (safety, production, quality, process, Capex)
  • Proven capability in cost reduction and productivity improvement through a continuous improvement mindset
  • Strong leadership and multitasking skills
  • Strategical mindset
  • Effective crisis management and customer orientation
  • Talent for attracting and developing professional teams
  • Ability to deliver results in a challenging environment
  • Adaptability to and application of company values
  • Fluent in Turkish and English
What We Offer: 

In exchange for your expertise and commitment, we offer a permanent contract with an excellent compensation package, including bonuses and benefits. Join a solid and prestigious company where this role provides clear and excellent career progression opportunities in an international environment.

Interested candidates who meet the specified requirements are invited to send their CV to eylem.atilgan@conexusrecruitment.com in English. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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