We’re looking for an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee multiple facilities and drive operational excellence. In this role, you’ll lead teams, optimize resources, and ensure we deliver high-quality coatings products that meet customer expectations—all while fostering a safe, rewarding, and inclusive environment for employees and the community.

This position is remote with a preference to be based from either Germany (around Vaihingen / Mannheim) or in the UK (around Manchester) with 50%-60% time spent travelling within the countries and EMEA. Why Join Us?
This is a high-impact role where you’ll shape the future of our operations and make a real difference for our customers and employees. If you’re passionate about leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you!

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required)
• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or MBA (preferred)

Experience:

• Current Plant Manager or Regional Director, or previous Plant Manager experience with a proven track record in the Five Focus Areas (Safety, Quality, Service, Cost/Productivity, People)
• Leadership experience managing multiple plants
• Significant European operations experience
• Broad knowledge across operations, including Process Safety Management (PSM), supply chain, manufacturing, order management, engineering, and procurement
• Demonstrated success delivering large-scale, high-profile strategic business and technology projects
• Strong project management expertise, including tools, methodologies, and techniques that drive measurable business improvements
• Experience with process mapping and implementation
• Proven ability to support complex, multi-functional and multi-divisional projects
• Experience with large business integrations, acquisitions, or site rationalizations
• Hands-on experience with Process Safety Management (PSM)

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Protective Coating or General Industrial Coating experience
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Our offer to you…

• Work-life balance that supports your wellbeing
• Competitive compensation programme
• Company bonus plan
• Private medical insurance
• Company car
• Company contributed pension
• Career growth opportunities in a truly international environment
• Be part of innovation leaders in the protective coatings industry
• Access to Sherwin Academy for continuous training at all levels
• Wellbeing, mental health, women & inclusion networks and support, and ID&E programmes that make a difference

What You’ll Do

• Lead and Inspire: Provide clear direction and strong leadership to plant teams, building capability and engagement.
• Drive Performance: Manage people, materials, and assets to meet production plans and customer requirements.
• Shape Strategy: Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy for your business unit, aligning with long-term goals.
• Ensure Compliance & Safety: Maintain regulatory compliance, protect plant assets, and champion a culture of safety and sustainability.
• Continuous Improvement: Simplify processes, reduce costs, and enhance productivity through innovation and collaboration.

Your Focus Areas

• Safety: Advance safety programs and achieve “Five Zeroes” performance.
• Quality: Deliver top-quality products and maintain readiness for customer audits.
• Service: Meet service level and lead time objectives with a customer-first mindset.
• Cost & Productivity: Improve efficiency, manage budgets, and execute capital projects.
• People: Develop your team, strengthen engagement, and build future leaders.