Operations Director, Americas

Job title: Operations Director, Americas 

Location: Conroe, Texas 

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Head of Operations 
 

Hempel, founded in Denmark in 1915, is a world-leading supplier of trusted coating solutions. Across the globe, our products protect and beautify buildings, infrastructure and other assets, and play an essential role in our customers' businesses. They help minimize maintenance costs, improve aesthetics, and increase energy efficiency. Through our brands Hempel, Neogard, Crown Paints, Wattyl and Farrow & Ball, we provide solutions for the Marine, Energy, Infrastructure and Decorative industries. 

Job Summary: Responsible for managing end-to-end manufacturing operations including production execution, maintenance, scheduling, raw materials, quality control, and safety. Oversees local purchasing of machinery parts and urgent supplies, ensures compliance with Q/HSE standards, and supports S&OP/S&OE processes. Acts as a liaison with internal departments and external ministries to guarantee adherence to business plans, regulations, permits, and licenses. Leads and develops the operations team, driving performance, safety, and efficiency in hazardous environments. Demonstrates strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills, with expertise in industry-standard equipment, inventory processes, and continuous improvement practices. 

Responsibilities: 

Primary responsible for the area operations performance from short to long term, in safety, sustainability, quality, service, costs and people readiness  

Creates and develops the vision for manufacturing in the area assuring medium term plans are in place to guarantee the capacity with right performance will be delivered 

Co-responsible with the corporate functions and other area leaders to deliver and develop further the Hempel strategy and Value Creation Plan for operations 

Primary responsible for the licenses to operate and legal permits in the area, assuring full compliance with local legislation and with Hempel policies and procedures 

Drive continuous improvement aligned with H4E strategies and plans 

Primary manufacturing area responsible and first contact point for the Sales and Operations planning & execution (S&OP / S&OE) 

Collaborate with other operations & business areas to deliver the business plans and fix short term issues  

Capex and continuous improvement initiative coordination for the area  

Assure the plants are well resourced to deliver on targets 

Primary responsible for people, organisation and diversity development in the area 

Support and own other global or regional initiatives 

Be part of local boards or business unit management teams as required or indicated 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or Production Engineering or other relevant graduation in operations 

• MBA desired 

• Minimum 5 years proven work experience as factory or other relevant operations area manager 

• Proven managerial experience. 

• Safety certification and or proven experience 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite 

• Knowledge in ERP applications. 

What is in it for you? 

• Medical, dental and vision insurance coverage options that begin on your first day of employment  

• Flexible HSA and FSA options to manage healthcare and dependent care expenses 

• 12 paid holidays 

• 15 vacation days to start  

• 6 personal days 

• Paid leave for jury duty and bereavement 

• 401(k) plan options with immediate company match and full vesting from day one 

• Basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage for the unexpected  

• Enjoy 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave or 4 weeks of paid paternity leave, supporting you during life’s most important moments. 

• A strong flexibility policy making you thrive both in your job and privately 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Direct applicants only; we are not engaging with outside recruitment agencies.