Operations Manager Russia&CIS

Leads all operational activities at the Lipetsk site and Supply Chain for Russia & CIS, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant production. Drives operational excellence, develops teams, and supports strategic objectives. Reports to the Operations Director EMEA and is a key member of the local leadership team.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead the manufacturing site and oversee all key functions on campus.
• Direct, develop, and coach cross-functional teams (production, maintenance, logistics, warehousing).
• Foster a culture of safety, servant leadership, and continuous improvement.
• Manage talent pipeline, support personnel development, and ensure succession planning.
• Promote collaboration and effective communication across departments (Quality, Finance, HR, Engineering, HSE, CLS, Customer Service, Sales).
• Align local activities with global/regional initiatives and ensure strong execution.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee all operations, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards (internal and legal).
• Establish, maintain, and optimize production processes from planning to delivery.
• Monitor product quality and consistency (ISO, GMP, FAMI-QS).
• Optimize production capacity based on forecasts and business needs.
• Ensure uninterrupted manufacturing by managing inventories and resources.
• Manage tolling and 3PL activities in Russia & CIS.
• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and KPI setting.
• Full P&L responsibility: control costs, analyze investments (CAPEX), and manage operational expenses (OPEX).

Compliance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure compliance with obligations to authorities, customers, creditors, and stakeholders.
• Maintain industry contacts and prepare infrastructure for new products/lines.
• Represent the company at industry, governmental, and company events.

• Bachelor’s or Engineer degree (preferably Chemistry or related field).
• 10+ years in senior management roles (manufacturing, operations, or supply chain).
• Experience in agriculture, food, chemical, or veterinary industry (advantage).
• Fluent Russian (native); English (intermediate+).
• Strong computer literacy (Word, Excel, ERP; SAP/M3 a plus).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proven team leadership and development ability.
• High integrity, commitment, and stress resistance.
• Willingness to travel locally/internationally.
• Able to work in office and manufacturing environments.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with lean manufacturing tools.
• Ability to build agile, cross-functional processes.
• Strong coaching and employee development.
• Customer-focused mindset and continuous improvement orientation.