Regional Operations Director

As the largest fragrance only fragrance house in the world, we take pride in proactively shaping the future of the fragrance industry. We focus all our creativity, innovation, and energy into making fragrances and nothing else. CPL Aromas is home to some of the world’s leading perfumers, and we’re trusted by top brands to translate their creative vision into beautiful scents. We provide career and development opportunities for talented individuals across a range of disciplines – from all support functions to customer facing roles. A job at CPL Aromas promises a unique career path for anyone with a passion for the world of fragrance. With operations all over the world, we celebrate a diverse range of cultures at CPL Aromas and, we offer equal opportunities and flexibilities.

The Regional Operations Director is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across the Europe and LATAM region, overseeing factory operations in the UK, Spain and Colombia, as well as all Creative Centres across the region. The role will ensure safe, compliant, efficient and cost-effective operations, with clear governance, performance management and best practice alignment across sites. The role provides leadership through local Operations Managers and functional leaders, while driving regional S&OP alignment, capacity and inventory strategy, capability planning and continuous improvement to support business growth across the Region.

This position can be based in the UK or Spain

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Regional Strategic Leadership Across Operations and Supply Chain

• Set the regional strategic direction for operations and supply chain across factories in the UK, Spain, and  Colombia, as well as all Creative Centres in the Europe and LATAM region, ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer requirements and regional growth plans.
• Oversee regional site performance through clear governance, KPI management and cross-functional leadership, while day-to-day execution remains with the local Operations Managers and functional leads.
• Lead regional S&OP alignment, capacity planning, inventory optimization and service performance across the factory and Creative Centre network to support current demand and future business expansion.
• Drive cost control, working capital performance and operational contribution to P&L delivery across the regional operations network, while supporting investment readiness and performance improvement initiatives.

Leadership, Governance and Capability Building

• Lead, coach and develop the Operations Managers and relevant functional leaders, ensuring strong execution, succession capability and leadership depth across the regional operations network.
• Chair the regional operations and supply chain governance rhythm, including performance reviews, escalation forums and priority-setting across functions.
• Partner with HR and functional leaders on organization design, workforce planning, talent development, performance management and consistent application of company policies and processes.
• Provide decision-making authority and escalation support for major operational, supply chain and cross-functional risks or constraints.

Transformation, Regional Projects and Continuous Improvement

• Sponsor and drive strategic improvement initiatives across supply chain and operations, including productivity, service, inventory, waste reduction, process optimization and root cause problem solving.
• Standardize operating practices, performance expectations and governance processes across factories and Creative Centres, ensuring consistency while allowing for local regulatory and customer requirements.
• Review performance trends, remove barriers, approve priorities and ensure improvement plans are resourced and delivered to closure.

Safety, Quality, Compliance and Business Continuity

• Ensure full compliance with company, local and industry standards relating to quality, environment, health and safety across both site operations and supply chain activities.
• Promote a strong safety culture and oversee significant incident reviews, corrective actions, audits, resilience planning and risk reduction initiatives.
• Ensure fragrances are manufactured and supplied in accordance with approved procedures, quality standards and customer expectations, while protecting continuity of supply.
• Lead cross-functional response to major quality, service, infrastructure or supply risks that could affect business continuity or customer performance.
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SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

• A degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business or a related discipline; a postgraduate qualification would be advantageous.
• Significant regional leadership experience in manufacturing or operations across multiple counties, ideally within chemicals, fragrance, FMCG or other regulated production environments in Europe and LATAM.
• Proven experience leading multi-site or regional operations across factory environments and creative or technical centres, ideally covering production, supply chain, quality, warehouse, customer service and project delivery.
• Strong people management capability, with experience leading managers and developing high-performing teams.
• Good commercial awareness, including cost management and performance improvement.
• Experience in continuous improvement, process optimization and driving operational excellence.
• Experience overseeing existing factory operations while leading new factory transitions, operational readiness plans, regional change programmes or major site transformation projects would be highly beneficial.
• Working knowledge of H&S, quality and environmental standards, with experience in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• The role requires regular travel across Europe and LATAM and the ability to operate effectively across different cultures, regulatory environments and time zones.
• Fluency in English is essential

Beneficial knowledge and experience in:

• Microsoft D365 or similar ERP platforms.
• ISO 9001, Halal or other site certification standards.
• Manufacturing with chemicals, including hazardous materials handling.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment irrespective of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identity or disability status. Due to large volume of applications, we are only able to contact applicants who meet the role requirements. The salary package offer will only be discussed with the final candidate, based on the individual’s relevant experience and skills. Should your skills and experience fit the above criteria, please click apply link to submit your application.