Global Director of Operations

Global Director of OperationsLocation: Madrid, SpainTravel: Up to 50% (international)About the CompanyOur client is a leading multinational industrial group with a strong global footprint and a solid revenue base. With operations across multiple continents and a diversified industrial portfolio, the company is undergoing a strategic transformation to enhance efficiency, strengthen operational excellence, and accelerate global growth.We are seeking a highly seasoned Global Director of Operations to drive global operational performance, optimize manufacturing and supply chain processes, and lead a large multicultural team across several country units.Position OverviewThe Global Director of Operations will be responsible for overseeing and improving the worldwide operations of the company, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy, and driving continuous improvement across all plants and operational hubs. This role requires strong leadership, deep industrial expertise, and the ability to thrive in complex, fast-paced environments.This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and collaborates closely with regional leaders, manufacturing sites, engineering, supply chain, and quality departments.Key Responsibilities1. Global Operations LeadershipProvide strategic and operational leadership across all global manufacturing sites.Ensure operational consistency, performance, and compliance across regions.2. Manufacturing ExcellenceDevelop and implement global standards for production efficiency, safety, and quality.Lead lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.Oversee capacity planning, cost optimization, and operational KPIs.3. Supply Chain & LogisticsCoordinate with global supply chain teams to align production, procurement, and distribution.Drive resilience strategies to mitigate risks in the supply chain.Optimize logistics, warehouse management, and inventory turnover.4. Transformation & DigitalizationLead digital transformation initiatives across operations (automation, Industry 4.0, ERP upgrades).Drive innovation in manufacturing technologies and operational processes.5. Budget & P&L ResponsibilityOversee global operational budgets.Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities while maintaining high performance.Support long-term capital investment planning.6. Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a large, multicultural operations team.Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and safety.Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between manufacturing, engineering, R&D, and quality.7. Stakeholder & External RelationsRepresent the operations function in global leadership forums.Manage relationships with key suppliers, vendors, and regulatory bodies.Candidate ProfileEducationMaster’s Degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.MBA is highly desirable.Experience12–18+ years of progressive experience in industrial operations within a multinational environment.Proven track record in global or regional operations leadership roles.Strong expertise in manufacturing, supply chain, and operational excellence.Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or similar methodologies.Demonstrated success leading multicultural and geographically distributed teams.Skills & CompetenciesStrong strategic thinking with hands-on operational capability.Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills.High analytical capacity and data-driven decision making.Ability to work under pressure and manage complex global environments.Fluent in English; Spanish highly valued.What We OfferSenior executive role in a high-growth multinational environment.Strategic influence at global scale.Attractive compensation package.Opportunity to lead a worldwide transformation across operations.