🚀 Head of Production Operations (m/w/d)

Role description

We are seeking a Head of Production Operations to optimize our operations with a strong emphasis on Lean Principles and Operational Excellence. In this role, you will lead the transformation of our operational processes to drive efficiency and improvement initiatives while fostering a culture of excellence across our production organization. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that streamline processes, eliminate waste, and ensure sustainable, scalable growth.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (Lean certification preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in a related field, with at least 2 years focusing on Lean principles and Operational Excellence.
• 2+ years of experience in managing teams, with a proven ability to lead and mentor diverse groups toward common goals.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with a track record of successfully driving cultural change.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills with a data-driven approach to operational challenges.
• Deep knowledge of Lean methodologies such as Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Strong digital capabilities, with experience using ERP systems and data analytics tools such as Power BI.
• Proficiency in both English and German (written and spoken) is required.

Why you'll love working here

• Exciting tasks in an internationally operating, growing family business with flat hierarchies
• Flexible working hours and home office options
• 4 weeks remote work from other EU countries
• 30 days paid vacation per year
• Salary bands for a fair corporate culture
• Monthly allowance of €50 for your BAV
• Annual 360° feedback loops with clear promotion criteria and an individual career path
• Responsibility from day one in a company that encourages personal responsibility and growth
• Relocation costs can be reimbursed on a pro rata basis
• Regular company events such as summer party, Christmas party
• Paid team dinners or activities for each team twice a year
• Free parking right outside the door
• Perks and benefits: JobRad, subsidized lunch, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket, free language courses, and discounted memberships at several gyms and for the Wellpass
• Fresh fruit, free drinks, and snacks in the office

Contact

Our Process

Preferred Qualifications

Your Mission

Team Management

• Lead and mentor a cross-functional production team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement through the application of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to boost operational efficiency and productivity.
• Set strategic priorities to maximize impact, balancing cost, speed, and scalability with a hands-on approach to ensure rapid yet sustainable implementation of changes.
• Lead transformation projects to ensure Lean principles are embedded in daily operations, utilizing tools such as Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis to deliver measurable improvements.
• Promote cultural change by driving employee engagement and accountability at all levels, empowering teams to embrace innovation and take ownership of continuous improvement initiatives.

Operational Excellence:

• Establish, monitor, and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with operational excellence goals, setting ambitious but achievable targets to drive continuous performance improvements.
• Develop and implement scalable systems and processes that support long-term operational growth while improving speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead Lean process optimization by identifying areas to eliminate waste, reduce process variability, and enhance throughput, cost-efficiency, and product quality without compromising safety standards.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure that all operations comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, promoting high standards of safety and quality control across all levels of the organization.
• Proactively manage risks by integrating compliance and safety into all process improvement and operational activities.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with leadership, production, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure alignment on process improvements, efficiency targets, and strategic initiatives.
• Engage with colleagues at all levels, from senior leadership to frontline staff, to ensure broad-based support and participation in Lean transformation efforts.