Global Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Director

Who we are:

IRCA Group, an Advent portfolio company, was founded in Italy in 1919, and it is a leading international B2B provider of high-quality semi-finished ingredients such as chocolate, decorations, creams, inclusions, nuts and pistachios, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other essential solutions for industrial clients or other independent artisanal producers.

With more than 2.400 employees, 19 production facilities worldwide, and €1.4 billion in revenues, IRCA Group has a solid track record of growth and international expansion.

What do we offer:

• A dynamic, multicultural, and inclusive environment with exposure to global projects and stakeholders
• The opportunity to shape and lead a transformational Continuous Improvement journey at a global scale
• International career development opportunities
• Exposure to senior leadership and the possibility to influence strategic business decisions

We are looking for an experienced and results-driven Global Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Director to lead the design, deployment, and sustainability of IRCA Group's global Continuous Improvement (CI) strategy.

Reporting to the Global COO, the successful candidate will define and drive the Group's CI roadmap, embedding a culture of operational excellence across manufacturing sites and supply chain operations. The role will be instrumental in delivering productivity improvements, cost savings, capability building, and cultural transformation throughout the organization.

We are seeking a highly motivated CI leader with proven experience in implementing global Continuous Improvement programs within international manufacturing environments, ideally through TPM, IWS, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

The selected candidate will lead the development and execution of the company's mid-to-long-term CI strategy across the end-to-end supply chain, while supporting the delivery of current performance improvement and savings initiatives. They will be accountable for the overall success of the CI program, ensuring that a continuous improvement mindset and culture become embedded in the daily operations of the organization.

Working closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, R&D, HR, Finance, and Plant Leadership teams, the Global Continuous Improvement Director will drive sustainable performance improvement and support the achievement of IRCA Group's strategic objectives.

The position is preferably based in Italy, at IRCA Group's Headquarters, with regular interaction and collaboration across the Group's international operations.

Continuous Improvement Strategy & Governance:

• Define and deploy the Group-wide Continuous Improvement strategy aligned with business goals and operational priorities
• Establish governance, standards, methodologies, and KPIs to ensure a consistent CI approach across all regions and manufacturing sites
• Drive the deployment of TPM/IWS, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies across the organization
• Develop a multi-year CI roadmap supporting productivity, quality, safety, service, and cost excellence objectives

Operational Excellence & Performance Improvement:

• Identify, prioritize, and execute improvement initiatives that deliver measurable operational and financial results
• Own the CI savings pipeline and ensure achievement of productivity and cost‑saving targets
• Monitor the performance of CI initiatives and ensure sustainability of implemented improvements
• Benchmark internal and external best practices to continuously enhance operational performance

Capability Building & Cultural Transformation:

• Develop and embed a culture of Continuous Improvement and servant leadership throughout the organization
• Coach, mentor, and develop leaders and frontline teams on Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, problem‑solving, and change management methodologies
• Build organizational capabilities by creating training frameworks and CI development programs
• Drive employee engagement and ownership of improvement initiatives at all levels of the organization

Program Deployment & Leadership:

• Lead strategic pilot programs and lighthouse projects to demonstrate and scale best practices
• Partner with plant leadership teams to deploy TPM pillars and establish site‑level improvement plans
• Support regional and local teams during implementation, ensuring alignment with global standards
• Act as a key change agent, influencing stakeholders and driving organizational transformation

Cross‑Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, HR, Finance, Quality, and Procurement teams to drive end‑to‑end performance improvements
• Support capital investment and automation initiatives by providing operational excellence expertise

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Management, or a related field
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and/or TPM certification is considered a strong advantage

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing and operations leadership roles
• Minimum 3-5 years in a global or regional Continuous Improvement leadership position within an international manufacturing environment
• Proven experience implementing TPM, IWS, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence frameworks
• Demonstrated success in leading large‑scale transformation and cultural change programs across multiple sites and countries

Professional Skills:

• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
• Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma Methodologies
• TPM / IWS Deployment
• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Program & Project Management
• Financial Acumen and Productivity Improvement
• Data Analytics & Performance Management
• Change Management
• Leadership Development & Coaching

Digital Skills:

• Strong knowledge of MES, ERP, and Manufacturing Systems
• Experience utilizing digital tools, automation technologies, and AI‑enabled solutions to drive operational excellence
• Advanced data analysis and reporting capabilities

Language Skills:

• English proficiency is mandatory
• Additional languages are considered a plus

Soft Skills:

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Inspirational and servant leadership style
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Proven ability to manage complexity and drive change
• Results‑oriented mindset with a strong focus on execution and accountability

Other Requirements:

• Availability to travel internationally up to approximately 60% of the time, primarily across Europe and North America

Contract

CCNL Alimentare Industria

Level

Impiegatizio alto livello

Meal vouchers

€8 for each day spent in the office

Remuneration

starting from RAL 120.000 € / 130.000 €

Eligibility for the variable bonus

IRCA fosters a dynamic environment, valuing different perspectives and international experiences, offering a stimulating context. We promote professional growth and career opportunities locally and internationally. With locations worldwide, we offer the chance to work on international projects, collaborate across cultures, and gain a global perspective. If you are looking for stimulating challenges and the chance to contribute your ideas for process improvement in an ever‑growing company, IRCA is the right place.

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, identities, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion, or belief. We believe in equal opportunities for all and ensure that our hiring process complies with the highest standards of non‑discrimination and inclusivity. IRCA Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, reach their full potential, and feel a true sense of belonging. Join us in creating a workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone can thrive.

Il presente annuncio è rivolto ai candidati appartenenti a qualsiasi orientamento o espressione di genere, nel rispetto dei principi di diversità e inclusione e di non discriminazione ai sensi del D.lgs. 198/2006.