Operation Director - Rail Sector

Social network you want to login/join with:

Operation Director - Rail Sector, vercelli

col-narrow-left

Client:

W Executive

Location:

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Reference:

1736865958250676224337169

Job Views:

1

Posted:

03.06.2025

Expiry Date:

18.07.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Operation Director

Our client is a leading industrial company operating in the railway sector , renowned for its technical excellence, innovative production processes, and commitment to sustainability. Operating in a highly regulated environment, the company is undergoing a strategic transformation aimed at enhancing its competitive position both nationally and internationally.

To support this growth and industrial evolution, we are seeking a highly qualified Operation Director with proven experience in managing complex production environments, ideally gained within the railway , aerospace , or advanced manufacturing sectors. This strategic role will lead the company’s operations toward increased efficiency, quality, and innovation.

Role Description

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) , the Operation Director will have full responsibility for the performance of a mid-sized production plant, overseeing production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and safety functions.

The successful candidate will play a key role in defining and implementing operational transformation strategies to support business growth, ensure compliance with railway industry regulations, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and industrial excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant activities, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and cost targets are met.
• Ensure compliance with technical and regulatory standards (e.g. IRIS, ISO, ECM) applicable to the railway industry.
• Monitor key performance indicators (OEE, scrap rate, lead time, etc.) and implement corrective/improvement actions.

Team Leadership and Organizational Development

• Lead and motivate production teams through a structured middle management layer.
• Collaborate with the HR Department to define training needs, succession plans, and professional development paths.
• Promote a safety-first culture focused on operational problem-solving and accountability.

Continuous Improvement and Process Innovation

• Drive the adoption of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and enhance production flexibility.
• Introduce enabling technologies to support digital transformation (e.g. predictive maintenance, data traceability, automation).
• Oversee Capex projects including equipment upgrades and new production lines.

Quality and Safety Management

• Partner with Quality and HSE departments to ensure full implementation of certified management systems.
• Continuously monitor quality indicators and manage non-conformities with timely corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety and environmental regulations.

Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight

• Define and manage the plant’s operational budget, optimizing resources, costs, and timelines.
• Support long-term industrial planning and production capacity expansion initiatives.
• Contribute to the executive leadership team and participate in strategic business decisions.

Cross-functional and External Stakeholder Relations

• Work closely with Commercial and Technical departments to align production capacity with market demands.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, certification bodies, and strategic customers.
• Take part in technical committees and cross-functional teams to streamline the overall industrial cycle.

Candidate Profile

• Education : Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Management); an MBA or postgraduate degree in operations is a plus.
• Experience : At least 10 years in increasingly senior operational roles within rail , aerospace , or similarly regulated industrial sectors.
• Leadership : Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and foster a high-performance culture.
• Technical skills : Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement tools, and digital production systems (MES, ERP, etc.).
• Soft skills : Decisive, strategically minded, results-driven, and resilient.
• Languages : Fluent in English; knowledge of Italian is a plus for non-native speakers.

Offer

• Variable Bonus : Based on MBO (Management by Objectives), according to company policy
• Benefits : Company car, private health insurance, laptop, phone, meal vouchers or company canteen, relocation support if applicable