External Manufacturing Director, Europe - #1710122

[Please note this is a Direct Search led by Bacardi, Applications from agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.]

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

The External Manufacturing Director, Europe is a critical role in the supply chain organization and is involved in defining the medium and long-term strategic roadmap for Supply Chain in the region.

In this role you will balance make vs. buy decisions, in-house vs. third-party production, and technology investments. Ensuring alignment with global operations and regional commercial strategies.

A deep understanding of business needs in Global Supply Chain and External Manufacturing insights, risks and opportunities, are necessary to help deliver business goals.

About You

You have first hand experience of manufacturing / distilling and have led / managed a site or sites. A track record of performance and continuous improvement is something you can easily demonstrate, whilst also being the type of leader of who develops and empowers their teams and brings stakeholders and third parties along with them. Wider Supply Chain experience such as planning, packaging development or procurement would be beneficial and you will be known for your strategic thinking, planning and execution. External / industry insights and ability to foster relationships and partnerships are key.

EXTERNAL MANUFACTURING:

Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with third-party manufacturers.
• Act as the primary point of contact between the company and TPMs.
• Conduct regular business reviews and performance evaluations.
• Engage and work with Bacardi Procurement in support of the above.
  
  

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure third parties meet product quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance teams to manage audits, CAPAs, and product testing.
• Lead resolution of quality issues, deviations, or recalls.
• Regular ‘On the ground’ presence and support at facilities as required to resolve and improve Quality and Performance
  
  

Operational Performance Monitoring

• Track and review key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OTIF (on-time, in-full)
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Resolve capacity or service issues as escalated by Bacardi Planning teams
  
  

Cost and Budget Control

• Monitor and manage manufacturing costs, cost-saving initiatives, and budget compliance.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising quality or service.
  
  

Risk Management

• Assess and mitigate risks
• Develop contingency plans to manage supply disruptions.
  
  

New Product Launch Support

• Coordinate onboarding and technical transfer processes for new products.
• Ensure readiness (equipment, processes, training) for new product introductions.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Liaise with Procurement, Quality, R&D, Planning, Logistics, and Finance to ensure aligned operations.
• Facilitate participation in innovation, trials, and process changes.
  
  

Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate data on performance, costs, and capacities.
• Generate reports for internal stakeholders and support strategic decision-making.
  
  

STRATEGY

Develop and Own Regional Manufacturing Strategy

• Define the medium and long-term strategic roadmap for Supply in the region, aligned with business objectives. Ensure timelines are established and adhered to.
• Balance make vs. buy decisions, in-house vs. third-party production, and technology investments.
• Ensure alignment with global operations and regional commercial strategies.
  
  

Network Optimization

• Assess and update Network review and scenario planning.
• Drive synergies across plants and third parties to optimize capacity, cost, and responsiveness.
  
  

Capacity Planning & Investment

• Ensure strategy takes full account of Long Term Demand Plans
• Work with Engineering and Finance on the business case development for major projects.
  
  

Operational Performance Strategy

• Define performance standards, KPIs, and improvement targets to measure success of strategy against.
  
  

Innovation & Technology Enablement

• Ensure manufacturing readiness for innovation pipelines.
• Identify and deploy enabling technologies (e.g., automation, digital manufacturing).
• Evaluate and pilot emerging manufacturing technologies relevant to the region.
  
  

Cost Leadership & Productivity

• Lead regional cost transformation initiatives
• Identify structural cost opportunities
• Monitor and challenge plant cost performance against benchmarks.
  
  

Sustainability & ESG Strategy

• Support roll-out of corporate ESG initiatives across plants and partners.
• Ensure reporting and governance around sustainability KPIs.
  
  

SKILLS - THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED TO CREATE YOUR LEGACY

• Manufacturing / Distilling Experience in Global Supply Chain organisation of 15+ years, preferably in a multinational environment and in complex matrix structures.
• Familiar with Strategic manufacturing processes and skills. Experience of setting and implement strategies.
• Able to manage in a matrix environment and to effectively engage with critical stakeholders of same and other functions.
• The ability to flawlessly execute in an environment with high volume and high complexity
• Influencing skills / Directing Others
• Expertise in vendor and performance management.
  
  

PERSONAL QUALITIES – SHARE OUR FOUNDER’S PASSION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL FLAIR

• Ability to initiate and foster open dialogue across organization
• Self-starter, able to manage multiple projects and succeed in a dynamic environment with minimal direction
• Proven track of record of building working relationships with business stakeholders and external partners
• Strong negotiations skills and understanding of contracts requirements and supplier performance management
• Builds strong relationships, internal and external, that ensures we do ‘the right thing’.
• Creative and innovative – around challenges and opportunities
• Not afraid to jump in and solve operational issues.
• Excellent communication skills.
  
  

LEADERSHIP AGILITY

At Bacardi we care deeply about finding brilliant talent who can bring the following personal attributes to help elevate our 3Fs: Fearless, Family, Founder culture to the next level.

• Belonging: You have a strong capacity to create a culture of ‘Belonging’, where people feel appreciated for who they are, what they do, and who they can become
• Self-Awareness: You have high levels of self-awareness, are reflective and know yourself well, understanding both your own strengths and weaknesses and your impact on others
• People Agility: You bring a deep ability to understand and relate to people and navigate through tough situations to harness and multiply collective performance
• Results Agility: You demonstrate consistent delivery of results in first-time situations by inspiring teams, exhibiting a presence that builds confidence in yourself and others.
• Mental Agility: You can think critically to penetrate complex problems and expand the possibilities by making fresh connections. You think strategically whilst being execution focused and bring creativity to the challenges you’re presented with
• Change Agility: You have a deep natural curiosity, desire to experiment and ability to effectively deal with the heat of change. You have a growth and learning mindset: ready to test, stumble, learn and apply from experience
  
  

Disclaimer: Bacardi seeks talent from all backgrounds to bring diversity of thought, agility and capability to our organization across the globe. We promote a working environment where all employees are treated and rewarded fairly. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination that adversely affects individuals or groups on the basis of national origin, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, and any other legally protected aspect of a person’s identity.

U.S. applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.

Perks of Working for us

At Bacardi, we are committed to providing our Primos (employees) with a comprehensive Total Rewards package of compensation, benefits, incentives, allowances, well-being, and much more to meet the needs of themselves and their families. It goes beyond just Cash! The total rewards program is based on pay for performance, whereby the incentive programs are linked to company and individual performance.

Compensation, Paid Time Off & Retirement:

• Competitive Pay Package
• Competitive Holiday/Paid Time Off, plus additional days offered ( i.e., volunteer day, allowing you to give back to the community)
• Retirement/Pension Plan
  
  

Health & Wellbeing

• Medical, Critical Illness, and Life Insurance
• Calm Meditation App subscription (free)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Best-in-class, family-friendly, and inclusive leave policies
  
  

Additional Benefits

The benefits /perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Bacardi, your work location, and are subject to change.

Some benefits may be subject to an employee contribution.

Some benefits may be fully or partially subsidized. Incentive plans are linked to the nature of your employment and can vary based on region, market, function or brand.