Operations Director - HeiQ AeoniQ Iberia

Introduction At HeiQ (www.heiq.com, LSE:HEIQ), we are on a mission to improve the lives of billions of people by “heiqing” materials. Since our inception as spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) in 2005, we have created some of the most effective, durable and high-performing technologies on the market today. HeiQ combines the flexibility and dynamism of a young and customer-oriented company with the professionalism of an international, UK stock market listed player. Over 300 brands like Burberry, Zara, Burton, Patagonia, Speedo, Uvex, Itochu, or Serta Simmons sell products with our technologies inside. This makes every-day products more functional, more comfortable and more sustainable – and has won us 18 awards that we are proud of. One of those exciting new technologies is HeiQ AeoniQ(tm), the world's first climate positive cellulosic filament fiber that has the potential to replace polyester and nylon. Embark on a Textile Revolution with HeiQ AeoniQ! Seize the chance to redefine the textile industry at its core! HeiQ AeoniQ is on a mission to create history by producing the world's first climate-positive continuous cellulosic filament yarn. Picture this: a proprietary manufacturing process that mirrors the properties of polyester and nylon yarns, now in a cellulosic, durable, biodegradable, and endlessly circular fiber. As a powerhouse under the HeiQ Group, HeiQ AeoniQ offers an exclusive opportunity to dive into the action from the development stage onward. Join our team, be a trailblazer, and play a pivotal role in leading the charge to reverse the carbon footprint in the textile industry. We're not just disrupting – we're reshaping the future. Join Us If you crave a career that merges passion with purpose, look no further. Explore the opportunities at HeiQ AeoniQ, where every role is a catalyst for change. Ready to leave an indelible mark on the textile world? Your journey begins at HeiQ AeoniQ. For more information, visit HeiQ AeoniQ official website:  https://www.heiq-aeoniq.com/ ​ Be part of the revolution – redefine, innovate, and make history! To support the scale up of HeiQ AeoniQ, we are looking for a: Operations Director - HeiQ AeoniQ Iberia (100%) As the Operations Director at HeiQ AeoniQ Iberia, you will play a pivotal role in realizing our vision of setting up a world-class manufacturing facility in Maia, Portugal. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire project lifecycle, from the initial planning and construction phases to the commissioning of the plant and ongoing operational management. This position presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of HeiQ via its AeoniQ venture, driving excellence, innovation and a culture of continuous improvement. Your responsibilities Factory Establishment : taking guidance from HeiQ AeoniQ’s COO and process engineering team, lead the strategic planning and build up execution of the new manufacturing facility in Portugal. Project Coordination : Collaborate with global engineering partners and oversee local building and engineering partners to ensure the seamless construction and commissioning of the factory Team Leadership : Build, motivate and manage a dedicated team responsible for production, assembly, testing, purchasing, work preparation, and warehouse management Resource Planning : Determine and track the necessary resources, including personnel, equipment and materials, to meet production demands efficiently Process Optimization : Continuously evolve production processes and warehouse management practices, with a focus on efficiency and lean principles Quality Assurance : Implement and enforce rigorous quality control standards and procedures, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 requirements Safety and Compliance : Promote a culture of safety throughout the organization and ensure strict adherence to all regulatory standards and laws Supply Chain Management : Strategically manage the supply chain to secure the timely availability of production components while optimizing costs Data-Driven Excellence : Leverage data analysis and insights to improve processes, reduce costs, and drive data-driven decision-making within the organization Cross-Functional Collaboration : Foster effective communication and collaboration with various departments within the HeiQ Group, contributing to a cohesive and synchronized operation Continuous Improvement : Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and proactively initiate actions to enhance operational efficiency, product quality and customer satisfaction You are An Experienced Operations Leader :  You hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, with a focus on mechanical, electrical, industrial, or process engineering. Additional education in business or production management is advantageous.  You have a minimum of 10 years of professional management experience, including overseeing production teams of at least 50 people or similar teams. Your leadership has consistently delivered results and driven teams toward success. You are an accomplished operations professional with a proven track record of managing manufacturing facilities and leading cross-functional teams. Your extensive experience in operations management is evident in your ability to plan, execute, and optimize complex projects. Strategic Visionary : You possess a strategic mindset and the ability to align operations with HeiQ's production strategy. You see the bigger picture and can develop long-term plans that drive operational excellence and growth. Change Management Expert : You are skilled in managing change and leading teams through transformational processes. You thrive in dynamic environments and can adapt to evolving business needs while maintaining team morale and performance. Data-Driven Decision Maker : You are highly analytical and can leverage data to drive operational improvements. Your ability to translate data insights into actionable strategies sets you apart, ensuring that processes are continuously optimized. Sustainability Champion : You are passionate about sustainability and understand its importance in today's business landscape. You bring a mindset of environmental responsibility to your operations, seeking ways to reduce the ecological footprint. Exceptional Communicator : You excel in communication, both written and verbal. Your ability to convey complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner fosters effective collaboration with teams, technicians, and authorities. Global-Minded Leader : You have a global mindset and are comfortable working in a diverse, international context. You understand the nuances of global operations and can effectively coordinate activities across borders. Safety and Compliance Advocate : Safety and compliance are paramount to you. You have implemented and enforced quality control standards and safety procedures in compliance with ISO 9001. Your dedication to product quality and employee safety is unwavering. You bring Lean Management Expertise : You have a profound knowledge of lean management principles and a "continuous improvement process" attitude. Your experience with lean practices has led to increased efficiency and cost savings. Supply Chain Mastery : You possess profound expertise in supply chain management, ensuring the seamless flow of materials and components to support production. Your ability to optimize supply chain operations is a valuable asset. Language Skills : You are fluent in both English and Portuguese, with additional language skills considered a plus, enhancing your ability to collaborate across diverse teams. Hands-On and Proactive : You have a hands-on mentality and are known for your pragmatic, creative problem-solving approach. You see opportunities where others see problems and proactively seek solutions. Dynamic and Adaptable : You thrive in fast-paced environments and are self-motivated to excel. Your dynamic nature enables you to effectively navigate change and lead your team through it. Team Leadership : You have a history of building, motivating, and growing successful teams. Your ability to foster team spirit and close collaboration is a driving force behind your team's achievements. Resilient Leadership : You possess a high degree of resilience and can maintain composure and lead effectively in challenging situations. Your ability to navigate obstacles and inspire your team during adversity sets you apart. Strategic Agility : You have the cognitive flexibility to shift between big-picture strategic thinking and detailed operational execution. Your agility allows you to adjust strategies as needed and make informed decisions. Empowering Mentorship : You are committed to the growth and development of your team members. Your mentorship approach empowers individuals to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the organization's success. Continuous Learner : You have a deep appreciation for ongoing learning and personal development. You actively seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and stay updated on industry trends and best practices. Ethical Integrity : You uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Your ethical conduct serves as a model for your team, promoting trust and transparency within the organization. We offer This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a groundbreaking project that will shape HeiQ's future success and, with HeiQ AeoniQ, can lead the transformation of the textile industry towards a more sustainable future. If you are a driven and innovative professional with a passion for operations, technology and excellence, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team! Join us in our mission to revolutionize the textile industry and make a lasting impact on the world! Interested? Does that sound like a great challenge to you? Then we look forward to receiving your complete application in English including motivation letter, CV, working references, certificates and salary expectation. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.  Applications of Non-EU/EFTA Citizens without valid work permit for the EU cannot be considered. HeiQ is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. About us HeiQ is a three-in-one company: Scientific research, Specialty materials manufacturing and Consumer ingredient branding, all for improving the lives of billions of people by adding functionalities to  all kinds of materials. HeiQ is a leader in textile innovation creating some of  the most effective, durable and high-performance textile technologies in the market today. Founded in 2005 during a hike in the Swiss Alps Listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market (LSE:HEIQ) since 2020 Founders: Carlo Centonze & Dr. Murray Height Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) spin-off More than 200 professionals of 30 nationalities in 13 countries on 5 continents Boundless academic research network and internal development specialists Today, PhD’s around the world are working on HeiQ projects Swiss headquarters with subsidiaries in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Portugal, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and USA 35,000 tonnes per year manufacturing capacity in its sites in Switzerland, Australia & USA