Das Unternehmen

THE COMPANY

• Our customer is a leading European manufacturer of cellulose ethers and specialty additives, supplying high-performance solutions for industries such as construction, pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care. The company employs over 500 people in Germany and generates annual revenues in the mid three-digit million euro range.

• Located in the Rhine-Main area, the company benefits from one of Europe’s strongest industrial and logistics regions, combining close proximity to customers with excellent infrastructure and access to international markets.

• As part of a globally active chemical group headquartered in Japan, the company benefits from strong financial backing, advanced technological capabilities, and access to an international research and production network, reinforcing its long-term growth and innovation strategy.

• The business operates a modern production facility in Germany and serves customers in more than 50 countries through an established global sales and distribution network, ensuring high reliability, flexibility, and consistent product quality.

• With decades of experience, a strong focus on research & development, and clear commitments to innovation and sustainability, the company is regarded as a long-term partner and technology leader in its core markets

Aufgaben

TASKS/RESPONSIBILITY

The position combines site leadership, production responsibility, and cross-functional management at a senior level. The following sections outline the main responsibilities and time allocation of the role.

Part 1 – Site Management (approx. 30%)

• Negotiating with the industrial park operator concerning demand, service level and costs for energy, waste water, fire brigade and other Industrial Park Services.

• Representing the Company’s interests during discussions and investigations with other Industry Park Operator shareholders, regarding CapEx and Finances of the Industrial Park Operator.

• Implementing the requirements of internal and external shareholders.

• Organizing and participating in shareholders’ meetings of the Industrial Park Operator.

• Ensuring the availability of an emergency organization in collaboration with ESHA.

Part 2 – Head of Production (approx. 35%)

• Securing efficient, timely, competitive, cost-effective, safe and state-of-the art manufacturing of cellulose ethers in four production plants.

• Ensuring compliance with all regulations for the safe and environmentally friendly operation of the plant infrastructure including the implementation of internal and legal guidelines when required; particularly compliance with the regulations for safe and non-polluting operation of the plant infrastructure (§ 52a BImSchG).

• Developing and managing production/maintenance/investment budgets, tracking expenses and identifying opportunities for cost savings.

• Taking responsibility for the subordinate engineering and maintenance departments and the technical warehouse.

Part 3 – Other Responsibilities (approx. 35%)

• Taking responsibility for other subordinated Departments (e.g. ESHA, Supply Chain Management including Procurement, internal and external Logistics, HR, Communication).

• Representing the Company’s public interests (e.g. Chamber of Commerce; Employers’ Association; Industrial Associations).

• Representing the Company’s interests during interactions with the industrial park operator and other site participants.

Beyond the three core areas of responsibility described above, a key element of this position is to actively shape and drive the upcoming transformation across major areas of the site. This change process is essential for the company’s continued development and long-term success and requires a high degree of sensitivity, judgment, and leadership.

The role goes beyond redesigning processes and organizational structures: it is equally about engaging, motivating, and guiding employees through change, building trust, and ensuring that people understand, support, and contribute to the transformation journey.

Profil

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• speaks business fluent German and very good English,

• holds a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or comparable course of study, a doctorate is a plus. More important is the relevant experience on the job.

• ideally has the following characteristics:

• confident and convincing demeanor,

• strong communication and presentation skills,

• Good organizational skills,

• Strong results orientation,

• ability to inspire, engage, and convince employees, bringing them along through change and aligning them with shared goals through clear communication, credibility, and personal commitment

• Willingness to travel from time to time,

• Very good self-motivation

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

• Has at least 10-15 years of sound experience in a comparable environment appropriate for this position,

• Experience with processing of solids, liquid gases and hazardous substances.

• Experience with shared services organization (e.g. in Industrial Parks / Chemical Parks).

• Ideally, experience in a company acting as shareholder of chemical service providers.

• Experience in managing and motivating several teams, providing guidance and support, and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

• Willingness to negotiate with several stakeholders (suppliers, companies on site, Industrial Park Operator and authorities).

• Ideally, experience with Japanese culture.

Vorteile

POSITION/TASKS/RESPONSIBILITY

POSITION

• The position reports into the Managing Director Germany, who reports to the Management Board.

• The salary corresponds to the high requirements of the position and includes a fixed component and a bonus as well as various interesting benefits e.g. company car, pension scheme …

• You can expect a varied and challenging role in an exciting and international environment.