OPEX Fabrication Manager

Role Overview

• Lead the team in accordance with the principles and values of “Lead the Hydro Way”
• Lead and manage direct report, providing supervisory direction and development to ensure team members utilize their full potential and are motivated to achieve set goals.
• Define and follow up on performance evaluations and development plans
• Ensure effective knowledge transfer and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement
• Organize and manage resources for continuous improvement projects.
• Hold line responsibility for Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in own area
• Develop and implement guidelines, procedures, and training to improve safety, efficiency, scope, quality, and environmental impact in fabrication operations across Extrusion Europe.
• Manage the OpEx fabrication team and oversee regional development programs aligned with each region’s business plan.
• Lead the OpEx fabrication Network, ensuring alignment and collaboration across all plants in Extrusion Europe.
• Work closely with Plant Managers, Department Leaders, OpEx Directors, and the Commercial team to support operational excellence initiatives.
• Develop and maintain training materials, process specifications, and equipment guidelines to support standardization and knowledge sharing.
• Track and report on operational KPIs as defined by the Extrusion Europe management team.
• Monitor the progress of strategic operational programs to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Ensure adherence to Hydro’s Quality System, HSE regulations, policies, and standardized operating procedures.
• Support compliance with area-specific customer expectations and standards.
• Engage with experts from other Business Units and Hydro Extrusion roles to foster knowledge exchange and alignment.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in a leadership role within a manufacturing, metals, or industrial environment, proven track record of managing international and cross-functional teams
• 5+ years in operational excellence, ideally in fabrication technologies (e.g., CNC and other processes, industrialization) or related production processes in different geographies and different sites
• Hands-on experience in with continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in managing improvement projects and driving operational excellence across multiple sites or regions.
• Experience leading strategic and operational projects & Strong track record of working collaboratively
• Minimum Bachelor degree (required) in Industrial Engineering, Industrial Management, Metallurgy, Materials Science, business or similar technical fields
• Master’s degree or MBA (considered as an asset)
• Fluent in English is mandatory (any other language is a plus)
• Stakeholder management skills / Cross-functional collaboration skills
• Process Optimization: Ability to analyze and improve production processes for efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
• Operational Excellence: Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• KPI Management: Experience in defining, tracking, and analyzing key performance indicators.

Benefits

• Leadership (direct reports): Lead the team in accordance with the principles and values of “Lead the Hydro Way”
• Lead and manage direct report, providing supervisory direction and development to ensure team members utilize their full potential and are motivated to achieve set goals.
• Define and follow up on performance evaluations and development plans
• Ensure effective knowledge transfer and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement
• Organize and manage resources for continuous improvement projects.
• Hold line responsibility for Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) in own area
• Develop and implement guidelines, procedures, and training to improve safety, efficiency, scope, quality, and environmental impact in fabrication operations across Extrusion Europe.
• Manage the OpEx fabrication team and oversee regional development programs aligned with each region’s business plan.
• Lead the OpEx fabrication Network, ensuring alignment and collaboration across all plants in Extrusion Europe.
• Work closely with Plant Managers, Department Leaders, OpEx Directors, and the Commercial team to support operational excellence initiatives.
• Develop and maintain training materials, process specifications, and equipment guidelines to support standardization and knowledge sharing.
• Track and report on operational KPIs as defined by the Extrusion Europe management team.
• Monitor the progress of strategic operational programs to ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Ensure adherence to Hydro’s Quality System, HSE regulations, policies, and standardized operating procedures.
• Support compliance with area-specific customer expectations and standards.
• Engage with experts from other Business Units and Hydro Extrusion roles to foster knowledge exchange and alignment.