Manager Operations Clays

Location:

At Sibelco, we advance life through materials.
For over 150 years, we’ve been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing specialty industrial minerals. Our work powers progress across industries as diverse as glass, ceramics, construction, coatings, polymers, and water purification. Beyond our materials, we’re proud of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering people from all walks of life to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Are We the Perfect Match?

At Sibelco, we believe building a successful career is a two-way journey. We’re looking for individuals who share our values and vision, just as much as you’re seeking a company that aligns with your aspirations. Together, we can shape the future.

Job Description:

Role Purpose:

For our mines, quarries and processing plants in Germany we are looking for an Operations Manager who will lead the manufacturing & operations team for our Clays business to achieve business objectives all while taking into account Sibelco Values & policies. You will collaborate with the senior leadership team in the Ransbach Cluster to ensure alignment with overall objectives and deliver operational targets. You will manage relationships with key stakeholders to support commercial outcomes and ensure production goals are met all while maintaining site health & safety. 

The Operations Manager organizes, optimizes and continually improves the operational, production and maintenance activities, taking into account the Sibelco Values and policies. The Operations Manager has to drive the operational organization in order to maintain and develop the mines, quarries and processing plants, to guarantee: Zero Harm approach to operational safety / First-class service to the customer / Best cost / Highest standard of the Industry in term of processes, quality, environment and legal obligation respect and health and safety / Continuity in time processing activities / Development of talent, and career progression of staff within the area / Implementation of the Operation Excellence tools.

In the role, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Safety Leadership
• Ensures Compliance with Safety Standards as required by law and company policy
• Ensures the safety of plant personnel. Leads and supports the safety 
program and all safety efforts. Conducts or ensures safety training is 
completed
Lead & Manage Production Process
• Manages and directs production operations and functions.
• Ensures the quality and regulatory compliance of all products 
manufactured and shipped from the plant while meeting sales customer 
needs and expectations
• Leverages production employees to achieve production goals while 
maintaining product quality and compliance requirements
• Identifies and initiates the principles and techniques of Lean 
Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement to improve quality, 
eliminate waste, decrease costs, and improve productivity.
• Identifies and plans the physical condition of all facilities through regular 
upkeep and CAPEX.
• Completes budgetary plans and cost control activities and reporting
Product management
• Assure the Product Management for all sites within the Cluster:
• Monitor and reduce stock of by-products/wastes.
• Update specifications and data sheets of products.
• Review number of items.
• Active participation to the scheduling and performance meetings.
• Training and coaching of sales force.
• Support to sales.
• Support to sourcing, especially to anticipate sourcing issues. Monitor stock 
of input raw materials.
Budget Management

• Manage production & maintenance OPEX and CAPEX budgets
Continuous Improvement
• Implement, maintain and improve with his/her team excellent 
performing production processes
Site Leadership
• Directs, oversees and/or assists with all recruiting, training, personnel 
development, and optimum functioning of the sites in the cluster.
• Develops supervisors and operators by coaching, training, properly 
delegating responsibility and emphasizing accountability for assigned 
responsibilities
• Audits, solves problems, improves plant operations and facilitates 
investigating and correcting actions associated with quality and safety 
events. Trains supervisors and senior operators in same efforts
Competencies

About you: 

This opportunity will require the successful candidate to have an operational and manufacturing background, ideally with background in mining. We are looking for someone with strong leadership skills with excellent communication & influencing skills who can work independently, project manage as well as ensure safety, quality, and regulatory requirements are fulfilled. 
 

To be successful in this position you should possess: 

• Previous operational, engineering, and mining background required
• Formal qualification in mining engineering is preferred
• Experience and knowledge of mining law as well as authorisation processes is imperative (e.g. BBergG, UVPG, WHG, BnatSchG, BImSchG,). 
• Previous team leading experience with the ability to motivate & develop a team 
• Proven track record of achieving business objectives, growth targets and execute plans to drive a business forward 
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills  
• Business acumen and strategic thinking abilities 
• Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision
• Strong understanding of safety, quality, and regulatory requirements for Health and Safety
• High level of commitment, flexibility, teamwork and willingness to travel
• Experience working with SAP is an advantage
• English – proficient verbal & writing 
• German – proficient verbal & writing is required

Employee Type:

Why Join Us?

Sibelco is more than a workplace—it’s a community that encourages growth, innovation, and collaboration. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join our team:

• Meet Our People: Careers

• Learn About Our Recruitment Process: Learn More

• Discover Our Sustainability Goals: Sibelco priorities

We also welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support you through the selection process.

How to Apply

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X and Facebook to learn more about life at Sibelco. Submit your application in the Apply option.

Please note: We do not require agency services as we have a dedicated Global Talent Acquisition Team.