Director of Operations bei Sika AG

About Sika

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and, in over 400 factories, produces innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in the transformation of the construction and transportation sector toward greater environmental compatibility. With more than 34,000 employees, the company generated sales of CHF 11.76 billion in 2024.

This position is a strategic and hands-on leadership opportunity responsible for the efficient, safe, and environmentally correct operation and growth of the Gastonia plant. The incumbent is expected to develop and implement programs to achieve higher safety, productivity and quality standards. The individual will be directly responsible for activities at the Gastonia Facility including Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), Quality (IATF certified facility), Materials, Manufacturing Operations, Engineering, Maintenance and Administration. The Operations Director is expected to be the Corporation's representative to direct and achieve our Vision in the Facility by cultivating an environment of confidence and trust working with Human Resources, Finance and Procurement.  

• Attain annual safety goals through a solid understanding of safety management as well as the ability to convey and enforce safety rules and procedures throughout the facility.
• Champion the Sika Safety First culture.
• To attain annual quality and delivery goals, this position must be familiar with the product quality demands of our customers. Problem-solving, error-proofing, and mentoring skills are required.
• Accountable for execution of the Sika Quality Management System in support of continued IATF, ISO9001 and TISAX certification.
• The ability to communicate effectively with all members of the organization, including educating them on the importance of continuous improvement and root cause analysis as key elements of operations.
• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams in the areas of EH&S, quality, manufacturing, materials management and planning, logistics, and maintenance.
• Develop a flexible organization that can respond quickly to changing customer demands.
• Select, train, and develop professional staff to perform at their own personal best.
• Training and development of factory associates to ensure uninterrupted availability of necessary skills to operate equipment to meet customer order demand.
• Motivating assigned professional and factory personnel to perform at required levels to attain annual goals through solid management and coaching skills.
• Build and maintain a strong commitment to quality and excellence as it relates to all functional areas of manufacturing, engineering, and new product development.
• The incumbent must have the ability to define processes and identify non-value-added activities to streamline activities.
• Attain annual expense budget goals and execute annual capital budget to achieve promised benefits.
• Generate and implement annual Plant Cost Reduction/Improvement Plans
• Controls capital assets and recommend new capital projects.
• Creation of Annual, 3-year, and 5-year business plans.
• Manage P&L and Balance Sheet activity for Plant Operations.
• Drives preventative maintenance, and problem solving.
• Work closely with R&D and Marketing in the development and design of innovative new products that represent the company's best interests within the industries it serves.

• Participates as a member of Local Expert Teams (LET) and Operational Competency Teams (OCT) as required.
• Assists in Program Management by reviewing plans and specs and supporting timetables established based on the customer needs.
• Coordinates strategies with sales, engineering, R&D, customer service, and Corporate Operations teams.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Complete other assignments assigned by Senior Management.

• This person must possess excellent communication skills, which are characterized by sincerity, persuasiveness, and clarity of thought.
• Must be an experienced manufacturing leader who can lead the necessary strategies and programs to increase safety, quality, productivity, and customer service.
• Incumbent must have strong interpersonal skills reflecting leadership, sensitivity and the demonstrated desire and ability to foster teamwork focusing on positive cooperative communication.
• Experience with line production, changeover manufacturing, production planning, preventative maintenance and time critical maintenance.
• A comprehensive knowledge of continuous improvement concepts including statistical process control and lean manufacturing is desired.
• A solid understanding of mechanical engineering with conceptual understanding of chemical and/or process engineering is desired.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, engineering degree and/or Masters desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years Manufacturing Management experience.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced 24hr/5day environment.
• Experience managing daily production plans and allocating necessary resources.
• Strong leader who manages fairly and consistently when applying rules, policies, and procedures.

• Technically oriented.  Highly organized.  Able to be a presence on the shop floor.

Perks & Benefits

• 401k with Generous Company Match 
• Bonuses
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid time off, paid holidays
• Floating holidays + Paid Volunteer Time
• Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements
• Education Assistance
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program & More!

Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility