Head Operational Excellence Europe (m/f/d) (Operations Manager/in)

This high-impact role, reporting directly to the COO, offers a unique opportunity to design, build, and implement the Operational Excellence system from the start. You will operate within an international environment with multiple manufacturing sites. In this initial phase, you will take the lead in developing and rolling out the foundation of our Operational Excellence framework, driving sustainable operational improvements throughout the organization.

Your mission

• In the first phase, your key responsibility will be to:
• Design and establish the Group-wide Operational Excellence Production System
• Build the standards, tools and governance needed for sustainable implementation
• Create and roll out structured processes across Production, Logistics and Quality
• Set up performance management (KPI cascade, visual management, gap analysis)
• Develop and initiate the first wave of improvement projects and cost optimization pipeline
• Following this setup phase, you will:
• Drive year-on-year efficiency improvements
• Scale and embed Lean & Six Sigma methodologies across all sites
• Act as a change leader, embedding mindset, behavior and capabilities

Your profile

• Master’s degree in engineering with strong analytical and statistical skills
• At least 3 years of leadership experience in a complex operations/manufacturing environment
• Strong track record in building and implementing Operational Excellence frameworks from the ground up
• Deep expertise in Lean / Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred)
• Structured, hands-on and capable of turning concepts into execution
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Willingness to travel across Europe (25–50%)
• Fluent in English and preferably German

Benefits

• Time off & flexibility:** With 30 days of vacation per year and flexible scheduling - **
• Quick decision-making & autonomy:** You’ll benefit from quick decision-making and plenty of freedom to pursue your own ideas and creative solutions - **
• Motivated team & international environment:** Work in a dedicated team with colleagues from different countries and cultures
• Individual management coaching: We support your personal and professional development through individual coaching
• **Exciting tasks:** Look forward to varied responsibilities in a sustainable and innovative company
• **Comprehensive benefits:** Enjoy advantages such as capital-forming benefits, TicketPlus, Hansefit and exclusive discounts

To further strengthen our Operations & Supply Chain organization, we are looking for an experienced Head of Operational Excellence at Group level.