The Impact You'll Make
The Fluid Conveyance (FC) Division is a €1.3 billion global leader in high-performance hoses, fittings, and connectors for off-highway and on-highway vehicles, mining, and industrial applications. With over 6,500 employees across 30 locations worldwide, the division operates 26 manufacturing plants and distribution centers— focused on rubber and industrial hose production, QDC, metal fittings, connectors, and hose assembly.
These sites span the globe: Australia, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey, UK and US. FC is organized into three business units - Aeroquip, Specialty, and Hydro - each managing its own operations, with some sites shared across units.
We are now looking for a Director, Operations based in Ariano Irpino or Castello d’Argile.
In this role, you will shape the operational future of our Hydro business unit, leading manufacturing operations across five sites in Europe and building the capabilities needed for long-term, profitable growth. Your work will directly influence safety, performance, and customer value across a critical part of Danfoss Fluid Conveyance.
This is a senior, high‑impact leadership role with end‑to‑end accountability. You will guide the setup and expansion of machining center capabilities while creating consistent standards, effective governance, and a culture of continuous improvement across Italy and the Czech Republic.
By combining people leadership with operational excellence, you will enable teams to perform at their best and help position Hydro as a scalable, competitive, and future‑ready business within Danfoss.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead manufacturing operations across five European sites, delivering strong results across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity.
- Launch and grow machining center capabilities, ensuring readiness for future demand and sustainable expansion.
- Translate business strategy into a clear operational roadmap, with consistent standards and governance across all locations.
- Build, coach, and inspire an effective operations leadership team, fostering accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Drive operational transformation, applying lean principles, production optimization, and capability building to support long‑term growth.
What We're Looking For
- Senior leadership experience in machining or manufacturing operations, ideally in a multi‑site European environment.
- Proven ability to lead complex organizations through change and transformation.
- Great expertise in operational excellence, lean manufacturing, and performance management.
- Experience working in a global, matrix organization with diverse stakeholders.
- Full professional proficiency in Italian and English, with willingness to travel up to 50%.
For further questions, please contact Friederike Gottwald, Talent Acquisition Partner, at +49 40 7367 5131.
What You'll Get from Us
- We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
- You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
- We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
- You’ll receive benefits like 13th salary, annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now to start the conversation and learn more about where your career can go with us.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.