Global Head of Operational Excellence Crystal

Global Head of Crystal and Operational Excellence

Location: The Island, central Paris.

This role is responsible for championing the development and implementation of standards, capabilities, and efficiency consolidation within the Brands Units. It also includes functional management of Operational Excellence Managers and overseeing start‑up management activities to ensure a vertical start‑up of new projects and innovations. Additionally, the role encompasses regional execution on the shop floor with manufacturing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a network of Regional Operational Excellence Managers and start‑up resources.
• Champion the development and implementation of operational excellence and lean manufacturing standards.
• Consolidate efficiencies and best practices to ensure consistent application across all regions.
• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure effective implementation of operational excellence initiatives.
• Act as a coach to factory managers and Operational Excellence Managers.
• Oversee start‑up management activities and resources to ensure a vertical start‑up of new projects and innovations.
• Provide regular updates to the Brands Units Director on progress, achievements, and areas for improvement.
• Support key projects and programmes in the Crystal BU related to manufacturing and operations, such as footprint, integrations, etc.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to ensure smooth and efficient project launches.
• Work closely with local manufacturing teams to identify and address operational challenges.
• Own the definition of the Manufacturing Strategic plans and targets in collaboration with the Manufacturing Director and VPs.
• Conduct an annual loss and waste exercise to identify new efficiency projects.
• Implement initiatives to deliver 3–5% year‑over‑year productivity improvements.
• Monitor, track and report the performance of operational excellence initiatives.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in manufacturing operations.
• Deep expertise in lean manufacturing principles (TPM, Six Sigma, Kaizen) and ability to deploy standards consistently across multiple sites and regions.
• Experience leading vertical start‑ups of new production lines, innovations, or plant integrations from concept to steady‑state.
• Ability to own and co‑build Manufacturing Strategic Plans aligned with broader business objectives.
• Hands‑on experience running annual loss/waste diagnostics and delivering 3–5% YoY COGS productivity improvements.
• Comfortable managing a network of OpEx Managers across regions and influencing factory managers, VPs, R&D, and Group Engineering without direct authority.
• Natural coach who elevates the capability of local manufacturing teams and OpEx managers alike.
• Engineering degree (Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical or similar), ideally complemented by a business/management qualification.
• Experience in FMCG, luxury goods, glass/packaging, or process manufacturing is a strong asset.
• Fluent in English; another European language is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Executive presence — presenting directly to the Crystal CEO, VP Manufacturing, and Group‑level stakeholders.
• Structured thinker who can translate complexity into clear priorities and roadmaps.
• Energized by a matrix environment with ambiguity and scale.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Outstanding collaborative workplace embodying our culture of sharing and conviviality.
• Option to work remotely up to 2 days a week.
• Complete mutual insurance.
• Attractive compensation including profit‑sharing.
• Opportunities for daily training and employee events.

Pernod Ricard is committed to offering equal opportunities to all talents.