EMEIA Operations Manager

Are you a proactive, hands-on leader with a talent for driving operational excellence?

We're seeking a dynamic EMEIA Operations Manager to join our team and play a central role in shaping and delivering high-performing, integrated operations across the region. Reporting directly to the EMEIA General Manager, you will lead and coordinate key operational functions-procurement, quality assurance, warehouse & logistics, facilities management, IT, and legal compliance - ensuring they work seamlessly to support the business.
This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives on collaboration, continuous improvement, and cross-functional leadership. You will be instrumental in driving alignment and performance across departments, fostering a culture of accountability, and ensuring our operational infrastructure supports growth and compliance. We're looking for a forward-thinking individual who is both strategic and detail-oriented—someone who can analyse data, identify trends, and implement practical solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance across the organisation.

Please note this is an on-site role based at our office in St Leonards, East Sussex.

Key Job Elements:

* Strategic oversight working alongside regional department managers as well as the global leadership team of each function.

* Drive efficiency and continuous improvement for the areas of responsibility as well as integration with the rest of the EMEIA organisation.

* Be an advocate for change management and support new cross functional initiatives.

* Quality

Champion quality standards across all operational areas.Monitor quality management systems and continuous improvement initiatives.Lead our European audit programme to ensure ISO compliance.

* Procurement

Execute procurement strategy and supplier management in line with agreed strategic planning to ensure cost effective sourcing and timely delivery.Oversee contract negotiations, vendor performance and risk mitigation.

* Warehouse & Logistics

Manage inventory control and distribution operations.Optimize logistic processes to improve accuracy, speed and cost-efficiency.

* Facilities

Oversee maintenance and compliance on all sites.Focus on long term planning of the EMEIA facility landscape.

* Information Technology

Collaborate with the Global IT team and ensure operational security and efficiency across the EMEIA network.Support digital transformation and system integration initiatives.

* Legal & Compliance

Liaise with internal advisors to ensure regulatory compliance that supports business needs.Support contract management, data protection and risk governance.

* Develop and implement training programs for department leaders.

* Manage budgets for each individual cost centre.Provide reports and analysis of monthly performance KPI's.

* Other duties as assigned, e.g ad-hoc reporting.

Qualifications:
Required

* Proven experience in a senior operations role with multi functional oversight.

* Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

* Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making abilities.

* Previous experience in Quality assurance and in depth knowledge of ISO 9001.

* Familiarity with ERP systems, supply chain tools and compliance frameworks.

* Ambition to continue professional development in line with business growth and demands

Preferred

* Experience working for a Manufacturer

* Use of Microsoft D365 for Operations.

* Experience of working within an international business.

* MBA

* Six Sigma

Benefits:

* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

* Matched pension up to 5%

* Health Cash Plan offering £600 per annum towards your standard healthcare costs for both you and your family, plus access to a free 24-hour doctor service

* Income protection insurance

* Cycle to work scheme

* Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

* Corporate, wellness and charity events throughout the year with the option to earn an extra day of annual leave

Please note we have a PSL in place and are unable to accept speculative CV's from recruitment agencies.

Kurt J. Lesker Company Ltd is a limited company