Head of Operational Excellence (f/m/d) CCA Europe / AMWA

The Competence Center Aggregates & Asphalt (CCA) mission is to support our Aggregates and Asphalt operations by:

• Assisting our Aggregates and Asphalt plants in achieving operational excellence
• Providing outstanding engineering and project management
• Leading people development with more than 250 training packages available through the Aggregates Academy.

For our Competence Center Aggregates & Asphalt (CCA) Europe/AMWA we are looking for a Head of Operational Excellence who will pursue best-in-class performance across all aspects of Heidelberg Materials’ Aggregates & Asphalt businesses and support all the Areas where Heidelberg Materials operate.

You will report directly to the Area Director for CCA Europe/AMWA.

Your next challenge

• Provide leadership, guidance and support to country aggregates business lines (BL) to drive operational excellence activities including margin optimization, performance management, technical training programs, tools, and systems implementations

Operational Excellence

• Deliver effective implementation of the Aggregates Operating Model with the aim of improving the BL’s performance
• Deliver and support programs to improve Management Practices, Operational and Commercial Excellence
• Provide leadership on Performance Management to both challenge and support Country and Regional BL Managers on financial results, cost management and KPI performance

Training Programs & Group Practices

• Provide input and implementation of formalized Policies and Guidance Documents
• Ensure specialist networks are actively supported within the Areas and globally to advance technical topics and cross Area expertise
• Assist development and drive implementation of high quality, effective training materials across various media, ensure selection and preparation of high-quality trainers, and organize delivery of training that aligns with the needs of each management unit to build competence in operations

Tools & Systems

• Provide leadership to assist development and drive implementation of integrated management systems focused on the local business, while supporting the entirety of the Aggregates business
• Engage and collaborate with IT and other functions to deliver successful implementation and sustainment
• Hold responsibility for planning and supporting the site-by-site roll-out of tools and systems
• Deliver operational and technical excellence and support to capital projects and investments and fleet management for Area CCA Europe/AMWA
• Develop and leverage productive relationships with European, Country Senior Management, other Area CCAs, and Area and Country Business Line Functions to ensure alignment, effective implementation, and strong aggregates results globally:
• Coordinate, align, and partner with BL leaders to drive area and local improvements
• Coordinate align and partner with BL leaders to ensure that the strategic plans and goals of these leaders are supported to the full extent of Area Europe CCA’s ability
• Engage regularly with key Area and Country senior stakeholders to foster aligned and integrated actions
• Regularly monitor progress and prepare result reporting for Area Director CCA Europe, the Board Members and Country Business Managers

Guide and coordinate staff development:

• Support the annual planning process including target setting and MBO evaluations to drive Operational Excellence
• Prepare CCA staff for roles across Heidelberg Materials with regular coaching and feedback
• Recommend hires, transfers, and promotions for technical and field operations roles

Your profile

Essential Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or,
• Extensive professional Aggregates line management and technical experience with varied geography and geology.

Essential Leadership Competence

• Strong integrated perspective of the financial and strategic relationship between operations and commercial
• Management Skills
• Results oriented with a bias for action, mature decision-maker
• Enjoys and excels at change management, coordinating diverse interests at all levels
• Broad analytical thinker –ensures management decisions are informed by-the-numbers. Understands and leverages the power of data.
• Process driven – strong project management and consistent day-to-day execution
• Leadership Skills
• Ethics and Integrity
• High level of energy, organizational influence, assertive and collaborative, and always focused on making progress
• Engaging communicator at all levels, verbal and written, diplomatic and persuasive
• Influential without formal authority, effective across different cultures, and leading intercultural teams
• Excellent teacher, coach and developer of talent
• Willingness and ability to regularly travel internationally

Preferred Experience and Skills

• MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Fluent verbal & written English, multi-lingual preferably German and French

Our offer

We are convinced that only those who successfully realize their personal goals can also fully contribute professionally. That's why we offer you attractive benefits, such as:

• 30 vacation days plus additional special vacation days
• Attractive compensation with profit share/bonus, Christmas and vacation payment
• Multiple learning & development options: support of job-related further training, E-campus, various technical and leadership development programs
• JobTicket, JobBike and further special conditions and discounts for e.g. gyms
• Company fitness room, various sports classes, health and prevention campaigns
• Individual onboarding with buddy program as well as various networking initiatives (Network of Women, International Network etc.)
• Modern headquarters next to the river Neckar with ergonomic workplaces and height-adjustable desks
• Canteen with discounted and healthy meals
• Bicycle and underground parking with charging stations - for e-bike and car

...and much more.