Head of European Operations

Job Summary:

Ruggable is looking for a Director / Senior Director of European Operations to join our team! This position will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our European operations including two manufacturing sites in the UK and Poland as well as leading the Supply Chain function. This role requires a strategic thinker who can seamlessly integrate manufacturing expertise with effective collaboration and engagement with head office teams. You will report directly to the Managing Director for Europe while maintaining close collaboration with our global network, particularly North America. The role will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, fostering innovation, and achieving our long-term growth objectives.

What You’ll Do:

Manufacturing Operations:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for manufacturing activities across sites in the UK (existing) and Poland (new launch in 2025)
• Plan, organize and direct operations to meet company quality, production, and cost targets
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards
• Increase production, assets capacity, and flexibility while minimizing unnecessary costs and maintaining company quality standards using LEAN tools and continuous improvement
• Identify and deliver cost savings opportunities supported by robust business plans and gaining stakeholder support

Supply Chain Leadership:

• Oversee the end-to-end European supply chain function, including local procurement, logistics, and inventory management
• Develop and execute supply chain strategies to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance
• Build robust supplier relationships and manage risk effectively
• Work in partnership with our global supply chain team and leverage their capabilities whilst ensuring Europe Supply Chain remains resilient, autonomous and agile

Strategic Leadership:

• Provide mutli-year strategic direction for the Europe Ops function and continuously evolve how the local Ops and Supply Chain functions support the wider Company strategy
• Collaborate closely with head office teams to align operational goals with broader business strategies
• Analyze and interpret operational data to inform decision-making and drive long-term performance
• Identify opportunities for growth and innovation in manufacturing and supply chain processes

Team Development:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration and accountability in line with Ruggable’s core values
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between site-level teams and head office functions
• Promote professional growth and succession planning within the operations team

What You’ll Need to Have:

Required:

• Proven track record in senior operational roles within manufacturing and supply chain environments with experience running plant(s)
• Experience managing multi-site operations, preferably within Europe, with strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and supply chain best practices 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with head office teams and site-level staff
• Strategic and commercial mindset coupled with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong financial acumen and data skills including analysis, building dashboards, gaining insights to lead the time
• Entrepreneurial mindset with an ability to operate with and utilise limited resources 
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5-7+ years of relevant experience, including leadership roles in manufacturing and supply chain

Preferred:

• Additional European languages, ideally Polish is an advantage but not required

Location:

• The role can either be based in our central London office or on-site in our facility in Birmingham, with some hybrid working available
• Frequent travel to our European plants is expected