Operations Director - Europe

Operations Director – Europe

“A Strategic Opportunity to Reshape Operational Cohesion Across a Pan-European Network”

Base up to €120K + Bonus + Benefits

Based: Netherlands (Rotterdam/Hybrid)

Executive Leadership | Supply Chain | Multi-Country Ops |

An exciting leadership opportunity awaits a senior operations professional ready to deliver structure, performance, and cost efficiency across a complex European footprint. As five subsidiaries are unified under a single legal entity headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is seeking an experienced Operations Director to bring clarity, cohesion, and commercial enablement to its logistics and supply chain function.

Please note: This is not a sales or commercial leadership role. Regional Directors retain full responsibility for sales growth and revenue generation. The Operations Director will support these efforts through effective operational planning, forecasting alignment, and performance infrastructure.

Key Focus Areas

• Direct responsibility for warehouse operations, central inventory management, and logistics planning.
• Collaborative responsibility for accurate demand planning, forecasting inputs, and regional coordination—working closely with Regional Directors.
• Leadership of Rotterdam-based warehouse operations, overseeing the EU central cost centre.
• Driving ERP system utilisation (Microsoft Business Central), inventory accuracy, and S&OP integration.
• Standardising KPIs and operational best practices across branch offices.
• Building internal capability and embedding a culture of accountability and performance.

Organisational Structure & Scope

• Reports into: Group PLC leadership.
• Part of: EU Board (with 3 Regional Sales Directors).
• Regional Breakdown:
  • One RD manages France & Holland
  • One RD manages Germany & Italy
  • One RD manages Poland
• Each country has:
  • A Branch Commercial Manager (Sales/Technical)
  • A Branch Operations Manager (Customer Service/Credit Control)
• You will coordinate operations across these teams, ensuring cohesion, cost control, and service alignment.

The Ideal Profile

Must-Have Experience:

• Multi-country operational leadership, ideally within the EU.
• Strong track record in short-cycle, service-driven B2B or industrial distribution environments.
• Expertise in demand planning, warehouse management, and centralised logistics models.
• ERP system leadership (e.g., Microsoft Business Central).
• Familiarity with EU regulatory and trade compliance across borders.

Sector Fit:

• Aftermarket vehicle technology
• Retrofit and service-focused B2B environments
• Logistics-heavy industrial or safety solutions providers
• Operational and safety technology distributors

Attributes:

• Structured, analytical, and highly numerate.
• Confident and collaborative—able to challenge constructively across functions.
• Diplomatic and culturally sensitive, with pan-European awareness.
• Not motivated by title or visibility—driven by outcomes, stability, and operational transformation.

Compensation & Package

• Base Salary: Up to €120,000 per annum (based on experience).
• Bonus Structure:
  • Bonus is performance-linked—reflecting contribution to logistics efficiency, planning effectiveness, and cost control (not tied to sales KPIs).
• Other Benefits:
  • 13th-month statutory Dutch salary
  • Dutch pension scheme
  • Travel allowance (car allowance available)
  • Permanent employment contract under Dutch labour law
  • Frequent EU travel; must be based within commuting distance of Rotterdam

What This Role Is – and Isn’t

• A leadership opportunity to align five branch offices under a shared operational strategy
• A cross-functional role focused on performance, inventory control, and planning integration
• A visible, strategic position working closely with EU board peers
• Not a commercial/sales role
• Not a manufacturing or production role
• Not suitable for FMCG or long-lead engineering profiles

Interested in Leading a New Era of Operational Performance in Europe?

This is a rare opportunity to build the operational backbone of a future-focused European business. If you’re a hands-on leader with pan-European logistics experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to align teams across borders, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit your CV today, in English and tell us how your leadership has delivered cost-effective, scalable performance in similar roles. Please quote reference LX 2975451 to applications@martinveasey.com

• Apply
• Apply With LinkedIn
• Save
• Share