For our Messer Italy team we are looking to immediately fill the position as

Head of Operations (m/f/non-binary)

Location: Milan, Italy

Our offer:

• A varied and challenging role in a successful and financially stable company

• Personal and professional development opportunities in a dynamic environment, with a strong focus on teamwork and project work

• Further benefits are offered in line with local, country-specific policies

Your tasks:

a. End-to-End Operations Leadership

• Provide overall direction and leadership for production, filling, and logistics activities

• Define and execute the operational strategy for a newly established entity, ensuring scalability and efficiency

• Drive performance through clear targets, KPIs, accountability frameworks, and data-driven decision-making

• Monitor operational financial performance, manage operational budgets, CAPEX, and support profitability targets

b. Operational Excellence & Customer Delivery

• Ensure reliable, high-quality, and cost-efficient supply to customers

• Continuously optimize processes to improve productivity, service levels, and cost efficiency

• Establish performance monitoring and continuous improvement initiatives across operations

• Drive operational efficiency while maintaining high safety and service standards

c. Asset & Cylinder Management

• Ensure reliability, maintenance, and optimal utilization of production and logistics assets

• Oversee repair and maintenance programs to maximize uptime and operational safety

• Ensure compliant and efficient cylinder lifecycle management (availability, tracking, safety)

d. Safety, Compliance & Organization Build-Up

• Establish and promote a strong safety and security culture across all operations

• Ensure full compliance with legal requirements and internal rules and regulations

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing operations organization; assume interim leadership responsibilities as required

• Ensure business continuity, risk mitigation, and emergency preparedness across operations

e. Supply Chain & Distribution Management

• Lead end-to-end supply chain activities incl. production planning, distribution, fleet utilization, and customer delivery

• Optimize network efficiency, transportation costs, and inventory availability

• Collaborate cross-functionally (sales, procurement, customer service) to ensure alignment and customer satisfaction

• Implement S&OP processes and demand planning methodologies

f. Digitalization & Sustainability

• Drive digitalization initiatives and leverage ERP/operational systems to improve transparency, efficiency, and performance monitoring

• Support sustainability and energy-efficiency initiatives across operations

• Contribute to environmental, ESG, and decarbonization objectives

Your profile:

• University degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field

• Minimum 10 years of experience in industrial operations, including several years in senior leadership roles with full operational responsibility

• Strong understanding and hands-on experience in industrial gas production technologies, including cryogenic systems, filling operations, and distribution networks

• Proven track record in managing end-to-end production, filling, and logistics operations within industrial or gas-related environments, including asset-intensive setups

• Solid expertise across bulk, packaged, and/or medical gases, including cylinder management and asset lifecycle control

• Strong operational and technical understanding of logistics assets, equipment, and process optimization

• Strong knowledge of Italian regulatory requirements related to industrial operations, transport, safety, and environmental compliance, as well as relevant standards (e.g. ADR, pressure systems, hazardous materials)

• Demonstrated commitment to safety, security, and compliance, aligned with applicable legal frameworks and internal standards

• Experienced leader with a hands-on, pragmatic, and results-oriented mindset, well-suited for building and scaling a greenfield organization

• Full professional proficiency in spoken and written Italian and English, with additional European languages (e.g. German) being advantageous