Director, Operations, Firestone Liberia

Company Overview

Please make an application promptly if you are a good match for this role due to high levels of interest.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company.

Bridgestone Americas and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries.

The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles.

The Bridgestone Americas family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers.

Guided by its global corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment 'Our Way to Serve,' Bridgestone embraces its responsibility as a global leader by striving to improve the way people move, live, work and play.

Job Category

Position Summary

This role will be based in Liberia.

The Director of Operations, Firestone Liberia will be responsible for leading the Supply Chain functions, including Grow, Buy, Make & Move.

These functions cover all operations including nursery management, tree planting, smallholder farmer extension, smallholder rubber purchasing, TSR & RSS manufacturing and export logistics.

This role includes a significant strategic component, developing short- & long-term business plans and budgets, to increase productivity and lower costs, whilst optimizing the efficient use of existing company assets.

Working closely with the other functional heads, the Director of Operations will support the company’s strategy to be a leading supplier of Sustainable Natural Rubber.

Responsibilities

• People Leadership manage agile teams across all operational functions. Develop continuous improvement targets and improved KPI reporting for all operational areas.
• Oversee key strategic projects including : 1) TSR manufacturing expansion, 2) RSS factory construction & commissioning, 3) renewable power and water consumption, and 4) Sustainable Natural Rubber sourcing.
• Develop a long-term sourcing strategy to identify additional smallholder farmer volumes from across Liberia. Expand the Agronomy Extension Team to enable individual smallholder farmer visits & digitally map rubber growing areas, to deliver traceable & transparent rubber that can be certified as sustainable.
• Establish short- & long-term budgets for all operational areas. Track operating costs, identify potential savings, and execute on cost saving measures.

Develop & recommend strategy for capital projects related to all Operational areas.

• Support the digitization project, to improve data collection and management, providing analytics to drive strategic decision making.
• In conjunction with the Head of Health & Safety, drive a Zero Incident Mindset to minimize all work-related accidents.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree; 10+ years of relevant experience including 7+ years management or leadership experience in Africa, working in an agri-business.

Preferred Qualifications :

Master’s degree; 10+ years of relevant experience including 7+ years in senior management or leadership experience in Africa, working on a rubber plantation.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.

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