Plant Director (Heavy Engineering)

Client Summary:

Our client is a global leader in revolutionizing movement and infrastructure across multiple critical sectors, including freight, transit, mining, and marine industries. Drawing on centuries of collective expertise, they leverage unmatched digital capabilities and world-class manufacturing to deliver innovative, lasting transportation solutions that actively move and improve the world. They are deeply committed to a "People First" culture, fostering continuous growth, and expanding the possible through technological innovation.

Job Description:

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a strategic and results-oriented executive to take full ownership of a key operational hub. You will be instrumental in driving the site's strategic direction, ensuring exceptional financial performance, and leading complex, long-term customer engagements. This role offers the chance to transform organizational culture, build a high-performance team, and directly influence the success of multi-generational projects that shape global infrastructure. If you thrive on solving complex operational puzzles, managing significant P\&Ls, and leading diverse cross-functional teams toward ambitious targets, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute robust business strategies to consistently meet or exceed site operating plans, focusing on Project Execution, Profitability (EBIT), Sales targets, and Cashflow management.
• Direct the end-to-end planning, scheduling, and execution across multiple manufacturing and assembly lines, guaranteeing on-time delivery and superior quality for all customer commitments.
• Champion strategic localization efforts for manufacturing processes, components, repairs, and overhauls, both in-house and through third-party partnerships.
• Guide the site leadership team in setting the annual operating and financial budget, ensuring complete alignment with global product lines and functional objectives.
• Lead impactful engagements with internal stakeholders (Executive Leadership, Global Functions) and external partners (Customers, Suppliers) to communicate milestones, resolve disputes, and unlock new commercial opportunities.
• Drive a cultural transformation initiative focused on building a high-performance organization, attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, including managing complex union relationships to ensure business sustainability.
• Ensure rigorous adherence to all compliance and certification standards, including Quality, EHS, and specific regional regulatory requirements (e.g., localization/content regulations).
• Serve as the primary leader for major long-term contractual commitments, managing customer relations, global supply chain dynamics, and commercial negotiations to safeguard project profitability.

Requirements (Must Have):

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering.

Project Management Degree, Diploma, or Certification.

Experience

10\+ years of progressive experience within a demanding manufacturing environment.

Minimum of 8 years in a senior Operations Management capacity.

Financial Acumen

Proven experience managing a full P\&L, overseeing Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sourcing, and Engineering functions.

Leadership

Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams to achieve challenging targets in a mature operational setting.

Mindset

Strategic mindset with strong critical thinking and complex problem-solving abilities.

Skills

Exceptional analytical skills and deep financial acumen for budgeting and performance analysis.

Stakeholder Management

Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills for managing internal and external stakeholders.

Industry Knowledge

Familiarity with complex global supply chain constraints and hyperinflation management strategies.

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