Purchasing Operations Specialist

De positie As Head of Operations EMEA , you will serve as the strategic operations leader for the business unit Industrial Distribution in the EMEA-region. Reporting directly to the Managing Director Growth Markets, you will oversee operations, end-to-end supply chain, QHSE, and customer service within the business unit. Your primary hub will be the operational facility in Barendrecht, The Netherlands , with the responsibility to lead future footprint extensions into countries. Because this role oversees multi-site international teams, significant European mobility is required. Operations & Supply Chain Management: Network & Footprint Optimization: You will adapt operations, capacity, and supply chain (localization, footprint, make-or-buy agenda) to match the strategic interests and agility required by customers. Inventory & Distribution: You will take full responsibility for end-to-end inventory management, utilize ABC-XYZ analysis to optimize inventory levels, balancing stock availability against customer delivery expectations to maximize cashflow. Supplier Performance: You own key supplier relationships, are managing pricing contracts, risk, dual sourcing, quality, OTIF, and long-term supplier development. Monitor and manage machine OEE as well as warehouse process effectiveness. Implement root-cause problem-solving techniques like 5 Why’s and Fishbone Analysis to permanently resolve inefficiencies and phase out unnecessary SKUs. QHSE & Sustainability Management Quality & Compliance: Maintain and upgrade documentation within the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems. People Management & Customer Service: ~ Leadership Development: Lead, train, and develop operations staff, fostering a culture of performance, ownership, resilience, and teamwork while also developing employees beyond the first line of management. Customer Excellence: Oversee the regional customer service team, managing complaint resolution through case tracking systems (Salesforce) to increase customer satisfaction and achieve On-Time Delivery targets (96%). Over het bedrijf Justrite Safety Group is a leading global manufacturer and provider of comprehensive industrial safety solutions. Today, Justrite operates with around 1,600 employees across 17 manufacturing plants and 29 office locations globally, with its European EMEA headquarters strategically based in Barendrecht, The Netherlands. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, or Operations Management. A minimum of 10 years working experience in warehouse and international operations management experience, with a proven track record of leading and transforming multi-site industrial operations. Experience in managing transportation (TL, LTL Carriers, Intermodal, Parcel), procurement, and end-to-end supply chain optimization. Fluency in speaking and writing in English is mandatory. Skills in, and knowledge of Dutch and/or Italian is considered a strong plus. Strategic thinker with a commercial and customer-centric mindset who understands the financial consequences of operational decisions. Highly analytical mindset, utilizing data, metrics, and KPIs to make informed business choices. Justrite Safety Group offers you a challenging and responsible management role in an international and growing organisation. Bram Mutsaarts - Senior Consultant