Global Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Director

Italy·GallaratePermanent Full-Timeexecutive

OtherDirector

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Quick Summary

Requirements Summary

Availability to travel internationally up to approximately 60% of the time,

Technical Tools

OtherDirector

IRCA Group, an Advent portfolio company, was founded in Italy in 1919, and it is a leading international B2B provider of high-quality semi-finished ingredients such as chocolate, decorations, creams, inclusions, nuts and pistachios, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other essential solutions for industrial clients or other independent artisanal producers.

With more than 2.400 employees, 19 production facilities worldwide, and €1.4 billion in revenues, IRCA Group has a solid track record of growth and international expansion.

What We Offer

~2 min read

✓A dynamic, multicultural, and inclusive environment with exposure to global projects and stakeholders

✓The opportunity to shape and lead a transformational Continuous Improvement journey at a global scale

✓International career development opportunities

✓Exposure to senior leadership and the possibility to influence strategic business decisions

Define and deploy the Group-wide Continuous Improvement strategy aligned with business goals and operational priorities
Establish governance, standards, methodologies, and KPIs to ensure a consistent CI approach across all regions and manufacturing sites
Drive the deployment of TPM/IWS, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies across the organization
Develop a multi-year CI roadmap supporting productivity, quality, safety, service, and cost excellence objectives

Identify, prioritize, and execute improvement initiatives that deliver measurable operational and financial results
Own the CI savings pipeline and ensure achievement of productivity and cost-saving targets
Monitor the performance of CI initiatives and ensure sustainability of implemented improvements
Benchmark internal and external best practices to continuously enhance operational performance

Develop and embed a culture of Continuous Improvement and servant leadership throughout the organization
Coach, mentor, and develop leaders and frontline teams on Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, problem-solving, and change management methodologies
Build organizational capabilities by creating training frameworks and CI development programs
Drive employee engagement and ownership of improvement initiatives at all levels of the organization

Lead strategic pilot programs and lighthouse projects to demonstrate and scale best practices
Partner with plant leadership teams to deploy TPM pillars and establish site-level improvement plans
Support regional and local teams during implementation, ensuring alignment with global standards
Act as a key change agent, influencing stakeholders and driving organizational transformation

Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, HR, Finance, Quality, and Procurement teams to drive end-to-end performance improvements
Support capital investment and automation initiatives by providing operational excellence expertise

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Management, or a related field
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and/or TPM certification is considered a strong advantage

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing and operations leadership roles
Minimum 3-5 years in a global or regional Continuous Improvement leadership position within an international manufacturing environment
Proven experience implementing TPM, IWS, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence frameworks
Demonstrated success in leading large-scale transformation and cultural change programs across multiple sites and countries

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma Methodologies
TPM / IWS Deployment
Strategic Planning & Execution
Program & Project Management
Financial Acumen and Productivity Improvement
Data Analytics & Performance Management
Change Management
Leadership Development & Coaching

Strong knowledge of MES, ERP, and Manufacturing Systems
Experience utilizing digital tools, automation technologies, and AI-enabled solutions to drive operational excellence
Advanced data analysis and reporting capabilities

English proficiency is mandatory
Additional languages are considered a plus

Strategic thinking and business acumen
Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
Inspirational and servant leadership style
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Proven ability to manage complexity and drive change
Results-oriented mindset with a strong focus on execution and accountability

Requirements

~2 min read

Availability to travel internationally up to approximately 60% of the time, primarily across Europe and North America

Contract: CCNL Alimentare Industria

Level: Impiegatizio alto livello

Meal vouchers: €8 for each day spent in the office

Remuneration: starting from RAL 120.000 € / 130.000 €

Eligibility for the variable bonus

IRCA fosters a dynamic environment, valuing different perspectives and international experiences, offering a stimulating context. We promote professional growth and career opportunities locally and internationally. With locations worldwide, we offer the chance to work on international projects, collaborate across cultures, and gain a global perspective. If you are looking for stimulating challenges and the chance to contribute your ideas for process improvement in an ever-growing company, IRCA is the right place.

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, identities, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion, or belief. We believe in equal opportunities for all and ensure that our hiring process complies with the highest standards of non-discrimination and inclusivity. IRCA Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, reach their full potential, and feel a true sense of belonging. Join us in creating a workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone can thrive.

Il presente annuncio è rivolto ai candidati appartenenti a qualsiasi orientamento o espressione di genere, nel rispetto dei principi di diversità e inclusione e di non discriminazione ai sensi del D.lgs. 198/2006.