The role of Italy Operations Manager is responsible for providing leadership and management to the site(s) operational team (interfaces with: finance, commercial, human resources) and leads activities related to the development and implementation of lean manufacturing techniques. The Operations Manager also maintains a good understanding of business and financial metrics and establishes key performance indicators and operational best practices.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction across local manufacturing, engineering, HSE, quality, and maintenance, ensuring alignment with regional objectives
• Review financial and performance data and ensure operational teams deliver against targets
• Promote continuous improvement and lean practices across operations
• Work with HR on employee engagement, development, and training initiatives
• Support site budgeting activities and manage resources effectively to ensure efficiency
• Ensure capacity planning and manufacturing availability are aligned with sales forecasts
• Support ERP deployments and system integrations, ensuring effective adoption in operations
• Oversee compliance with ISO 9001, 14001, IATF 16949, and EHS regulations, embedding best practices into site culture
• Provide regular reporting to local and regional leadership teams on operational performance
•  Support integration of new business activities and ensure smooth operational alignment

Required Skills & Experience:

• BSc Engineering or Business, or equivalent
• Proven leadership of a manufacturing or warehouse operation, ideally in plastics/injection moulding or related industries
• Strong track record of delivering cost, quality, and service improvements in a multinational environment
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement frameworks
• Solid financial and business acumen with experience managing budgets and resources
• ERP and manufacturing systems experience (preferably D365, SAP, or equivalent)
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across cultures
• Strong leadership presence and ability to guide and motivate teams
• Ability to manage operations, coordinate teams, and deliver results in demanding environments
• High integrity, resilience and adaptability, with proven success in navigating change
• Solid understanding of end-to-end operations (manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, EHS)
• Skilled at building collaboration across functions and with external partners
• Proactive and commercially minded, committed to continuous development of teams
• Fluent English (written & verbal) & Fluent Italian

Desirable:

• Diploma or higher degree in operations (or related subject matter)
• Lean Six Sigma certification
• Experience in operations within multi-site or multi-region settings
• Hands-on exposure to ERP integration and transformation programs
• Experience with integration of new facilities or business units

What we offer:

• Attractive salary
• Discretionary Annual Bonus
• Labour contract Medical Insurance (Personal Cover)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Car allowance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Program

This role is predominantly based at our Cambiago site with travel to other sites as required.

At Essentra we are ideally looking for individuals who enjoy working as part of a close team, are passionate about what they do and who strive to make a difference. We are always looking to better ourselves and are keen to recruit individuals who like to innovate and improve processes.

Essentra Plc, is a global market leader in plastic injection moulded and vinyl dip moulded components. We have a history of over 65 years, producing essential components across a huge range of industries and applications.

The BMP site is a manufacturing and distribution facility and a key part of Essentra. The location encompasses a high volume, product mix manufacturing, warehousing and distribution environment. Health, safety and environmental sustainability are a core values that align to our business objectives. The offered position will be a high-profile role within the division; offering opportunity to interact with other, talented internal and external peers within the manufacturing and supply chain industries.