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:

• Competitive salary
• 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.