About this role
Position Overview We are seeking an operational powerhouse and strategic leader to serve as our Chief Operating Officer (COO). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO will hold total operational and strategic execution responsibility across all production facilities, global supply chain networks, engineering operations, quality management, and plant logistics. As the operational leader, you will optimize manufacturing performance (OEE), drive lean transformation across assembly lines, safeguard quality standards, and ensure the business stays ahead of major automotive shifts—from supply chain resilience to advanced automated manufacturing processes. Key Responsibilities Manufacturing Excellence & Plant Operations Operational Scale & Efficiency: Oversee daily plant and assembly operations to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), optimize throughput, and reduce scrap rates across all facilities. Lean & Continuous Improvement: Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies across all operational units to eliminate waste, improve yield, and lower unit manufacturing costs. Advanced Manufacturing Integration: Lead the deployment of Industry 4.0 technology, including shop-floor automation, robotics, predictive maintenance systems, and digital twin technology. Global Supply Chain & Logistics End-to-End Supply Chain Management: Direct strategic sourcing, procurement, component logistics, and inventory control to guarantee seamless Just-In-Time (JIT) and Just-In-Sequence (JIS) line feeding. Vendor & Partner Relations: Manage relationships and performance metrics with Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers, contract manufacturers, and freight logistics partners to mitigate global supply chain disruptions. Quality, Compliance & Safety Zero-Defect Culture: Enforce stringent quality management systems aligned with automotive standards (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001) to eliminate warranty issues and prevent product recalls. EHS & Compliance: Champion occupational health, safety, and environmental stewardship across all operations, ensuring compliance with local industrial legislation and global sustainability mandates. Strategic Leadership & Financial P&L P&L & Budget Management: Operational P&L accountability; manage multi-site CAPEX and OPEX budgets, optimizing capital allocations for plant expansions, tooling, and equipment upgrades. Cross-Functional Alignment: Work closely with the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), CFO, and R&D leads to ensure new vehicle or component programs transition smoothly from design phase to full-rate production (SOP). Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing operations organization, including Plant Managers, Supply Chain Directors, and Chief Engineers.
Qualifications and experience
Required Qualifications & Experience Education & Technical Background Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or Supply Chain Management. Advanced Degree: Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), M.Sc. in Engineering Management, or equivalent executive leadership credential is highly preferred. Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred. Professional Experience 12+ years of progressive operational leadership in the automotive sector (OEM, Tier-1 supplier, or heavy vehicle assembly). At least 5+ years in a senior operational role (e.g., VP of Manufacturing, VP of Operations, or Multi-Plant General Manager). Proven track record managing large-scale manufacturing facilities, unionized labor workforces, and multi-tier supply chains. Demonstrated success in launching new product programs (Start of Production / SOP) on time and within budget. Core Competencies Deep fluency in JIT/JIS production methodologies, IATF 16949 quality frameworks, and shop-floor manufacturing execution systems (MES). Strong financial acumen with proven experience managing multi-million budgets and driving gross margin expansion. Exceptional crisis-management, strategic negotiation, and stakeholder alignment abilities.