Operations Director
Operations Director
Almere, the Netherlands
Fulltime
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business or a related field
Yanmar Marine International is a global leader in innovative marine propulsion solutions for the leisure industry. Based in Almere, the Netherlands, YMI serves as the global headquarters for Yanmar’s Recreational Marine Business Unit. With strong ambitions to lead in both sailboat and powerboat markets, we are expanding our operational capability to meet rapid growth, especially in electric propulsion.
We’re hiring an Operations Director to take our global operations to the next level – driving quality, efficiency, and sustainability across our network.
What are you going to do?
As Operations Director, you’ll take ownership of YMI’s global operations strategy and execution. You will lead all operational functions from planning, procurement and manufacturing to logistics and quality control, ensuring seamless delivery of our marine propulsion systems across global locations.
You’ll be a key enabler in scaling our electrification ambitions, supporting short-term growth and long-term innovation.
Your main tasks and responsibilities:
- Operational Strategy: Shape and deliver YMI’s operations roadmap, aligned with business goals and future trends
- Process Excellence: Drive end-to-end optimisation across planning, supply chain, production, and quality systems
- Sustainability Readiness: Build capabilities to deliver new electric propulsion systems at scale, including the e-saildrive
- People Leadership: Lead, develop, and structure a high-performing international team with strong succession planning
- HSE Compliance: Promote a safety-first culture and ensure full alignment with legal and internal HSE standards
- Performance Tracking: Own operational KPIs, budgeting, and cost transparency, and report progress against plans
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Sales, R&D, and Product teams to ensure flawless product delivery
Who are we looking for?
You are a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, technical environment. You combine analytical thinking with strong people management and can translate complex operations into structured execution.
The ideal candidate:
- Has a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business or a related field
- Brings 10+ years of senior experience in the marine, automotive, industrial or energy sectors
- Understands global manufacturing and supply chain operations
- Is experienced in Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement methods
- Has a proven track record of driving operational transformation and building high-performing teams
- Communicates clearly, coaches effectively and builds strong cross-cultural relationships
- Speaks English and Dutch fluently
- Has a genuine passion for innovation in marine propulsion and sustainability
Work location:
This role is based at Yanmar Marine International headquarters in Almere, The Netherlands, with occasional travel (up to 20%) to our facilities in Italy, Japan and other key locations.
What do we offer?
As our Operations Director, you will step into a pivotal role at the heart of a growing and ambitious marine company. You’ll help shape the future of sustainable propulsion, working alongside passionate colleagues in an international, innovation-driven environment. You’ll have the mandate to lead transformation, the autonomy to act, and the support to make a real impact on the marine industry.
Employee Benefits:
- A competitive salary that reflects your knowledge and experience.
- Company car.
- Flexible working hours and the option to work from home.
- A standard working week of 37.5 hours.
- Opportunities for training and professional development.
- Gym subscription and bike plan.
- Employee benefits plan with discounts on various products and services.
- Participation in company outings, sports activities, and events.
- Commuting allowance.
- 27 vacation days (+ the ability to build up time for time).
- 8% holiday allowance and year-end bonus based on company results.
MEET ONE OF YOUR NEW COLLEAGUES:
Wouter-Jan van der Wurff – CEO YMI
At Yanmar Marine International we supply propulsion solutions for a safe, reliable and enjoyable boating experience. In order to achieve that, we have many boatbuilding customers that rely on our high-quality products that are delivered on time and in specification. As our operations director you will be at the heart of that operation, driving the operational performance, and creating a resilient supply chain to help us grow further every day. This needs to be a strategic leader who can turn complexity into clarity and build bridges amongst the various teams for optimal execution.
The application process is straightforward and fast:
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