VP Operations SWS

Be part of something bigger

As the world and the way people live is changing, at Bekaert we believe it's our responsibility to contribute to finding new solutions for the future. Our ambition is to be the leading partner for shaping the way we live and move. And to always do this the Bekaert Way – safe, smart, and sustainable.

With a heritage of more than years, we continue to strengthen our core competencies that have made Bekaert a global market and technology leader in material science of steel wire transformation and coating technologies. Today, we also apply our expertise beyond steel to create new solutions with innovative materials and services for markets including new mobility, low-carbon construction, and green energy.

As a dynamic and growing company with over 27, employees worldwide, 75 nationalities, a retention rate above 90% and almost € 7 billion in combined revenue in , we're looking for someone like you to join our team

Why join us?

Personal Growth – Let us help you unlock your full potential Pioneering – Join us to challenge the impossible Creativity - Discover possibilities beyond steel Purpose – Drive progress for our planet and people Diversity – Together, we create change

About the role

Your Impact as 'VP Operations – Steel Wire Solutions':

You will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee operations activities in our SWS organization, ensuring development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet current and future needs of the organization. You will support all plant managers in the SWS operations (20+ plants) with monthly one to ones, PDCA cycle on all plant related KPI's, zero-loss journey including sustainability & efficiency roadmaps, SHE & Quality You will lead Operational Excellence with a line driven mindset & accountability and support change management on shopfloor, fostering collaboration with the functions You will work closely with and support our PMO's who coordinates all priority areas within operations related to SWS transformations, working closely with the functions assuring shared ambition/ownership (budget, timing). You will lead Project management. You will work on functional capability building with standardized methodology to run new vertical start-up initiatives/industrialisation, proper FMEA and risk assessments (especially at design set up), proper resource management and clear ownership, transparent capex management, with a team of people dedicated per BU. You will lead Supply Chain management by working on functional capability building with standardized methodology (S&OP, OMP, Scope 3 initiatives, CBAM management, etc....) with team of people dedicated per BU. You will be a full-time member of the SWS leadership team and will sit in (ad hoc) in leadership meetings of each BU to represent the BU-specific operations.

About You

Essential skills & competencies

You have a master's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, chemistry, material science, ... You have 10+ years supervisory experience in operations or related field. You have 7+ years of Senior. leadership experience in operations and plant management with responsibility over multiple locations globally. Previous P&L responsibility preferred. You have excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills. You have proven strategic planning and budgeting experience. You demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills. You have an entrepreneurial spirit. You have deep experience and knowledge of Lean principles (Kaizen, 5S, A3, value stream mapping, etc.) Lean Enterprise certification and/or Six Sigma certification is a plus. You have experience of M&A, JV's both acquisition, integration and divestment You showcase high energy, teamwork, and passion for development team members. You have a proven track record in cultural change management. You demonstrate a high sense of urgency and are able to manage multiple initiatives at a given time. You can lead, train, mentor, and implement be practices amongst reports. You are willing to travel globally 20-40% (based on need).

Will you dare to take the next step?

Join us to unlock your full potential AND have a true impact in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

We're looking for individuals who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. If you are passionate about personal growth and bringing your authentic self to work, we want you on our team

At Bekaert, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

To learn more about us and our exciting career opportunities, visit

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