Job Description:

Are you an experienced manufacturing leader ready to take responsibility for a business’s strategy, operational performance and people?

We are supporting an established manufacturing business within an international group to appoint a Managing Director. This is an opportunity to shape the operation’s future, strengthen manufacturing performance and guide investment in its people and assets.

The position combines strategic and commercial responsibility with visible, practical leadership. You will work closely with the site team, understand operational challenges first hand and turn business priorities into measurable improvements.

Applications are welcomed from established Managing Directors and experienced Site Directors, Plant Directors, General Managers or Operations Directors ready to take their next step.

The role

You will take overall responsibility for the manufacturing operation, creating clear priorities and ensuring safe, compliant and commercially sustainable performance.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering the business and site strategy, aligned with wider group objectives.

• Leading production, engineering, maintenance, supply chain and associated site functions.

• Improving safety, reliability, productivity, quality, customer service and cost performance.

• Managing operating and capital budgets, with clear investment priorities and sound commercial justification.

• Developing maintenance, asset reliability and capital investment plans.

• Building leadership capability, accountability and succession across the organisation.

• Leading organisational change through effective communication and employee engagement.

• Managing industrial relations, including negotiations with Italian employee representatives and trade unions.

• Building constructive relationships with local government bodies, labour inspectors, environmental authorities and other external stakeholders.

About you

You will bring significant senior leadership experience in process manufacturing or another technically complex industrial environment, with responsibility across operations, engineering, people and financial performance.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Successful leadership of a manufacturing site, business unit or substantial operation.

• Measurable improvements in operational performance and organisational effectiveness.

• Experience leading change within an established workforce.

• Strong financial judgement, including operating budgets, capital expenditure and investment decisions.

• Experience negotiating with Italian workforce representatives and manufacturing unions, supported by an understanding of relevant collective labour agreements.

• Credibility in managing regulatory compliance and relationships with Italian public authorities.

• A practical understanding of maintenance, plant reliability and asset investment.

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification.

Fluent Italian and strong professional English are essential.

You will be a calm, approachable and commercially minded leader who can build trust across the organisation, make sound decisions and follow through on agreed priorities.

Express your interest

Please apply with your CV and a brief summary of your relevant manufacturing leadership experience.

The business identity, exact site location and remuneration package will be discussed directly with suitable applicants. Initial enquiries are also welcome from candidates who would prefer a confidential conversation before submitting a full application.