Manager Operations Transformation

BE04 GEA Process Engineering N.V.; Wommelgem; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

GEA Germany GmbH in Belgium seeks a Manager Operations Transformation to lead end-to-end site transformation programs across multiple sites in our international manufacturing network. You will drive change across operations, engineering, quality, quantity and supply chain to deliver measurable improvements.

You will diagnose performance, define targets, develop future-state operating models and translate designs into roadmaps.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in industrial engineering or a comparable technical or operations-related discipline.
• Several years of experience in operational excellence, manufacturing engineering or transformation management with proven site leadership.
• Experience in engineer-to-order or engineering-driven manufacturing environments with cross-functional interfaces.
• Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with manufacturing layout optimization, capacity planning and end-to-end production flows.
• Excellent project, change and stakeholder management with influence beyond direct authority.
• Strong analytical capabilities with KPI/benefit tracking and a pragmatic results orientation.
• Experience across countries and cultures in international manufacturing.
• Fluency in English and willingness to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end site transformation programs across all workstreams from diagnosis through implementation and stabilization.
• Diagnose current performance and define quantified improvement targets across productivity, lead time, quality, delivery reliability, capacity utilization and cost.
• Develop future-state operating models covering organizational structures, processes, layouts and material flows.
• Translate future-state design into integrated workstreams, roadmaps, milestones and governance.
• Drive implementation across operations, engineering, quality, qualification, validation, supply chain and support functions.
• Apply lean and operational excellence methods including 5S, standard work, visual management and daily performance management.
• Align site leadership, resolve barriers and maintain execution momentum.
• Establish KPI/benefit tracking, identify deviations and drive corrective actions.
• Coach local teams and managers to embed new ways of working for sustainable results.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

KPI tracking

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Change management

Analytical skills

English fluency

Education

Master's degree in industrial engineering

Job description

Manager Operations Transformation

Are you passionate about transforming manufacturing organizations and delivering measurable results? Do you thrive in an international manufacturing environment where strategic priorities are translated into tangible change across an entire site? We are looking for a Manager Operations Transformation to lead end‑to‑end site transformation programs at selected sites across the international manufacturing network of GEA’s Pharma & Food Applications division. These programs may encompass operations, engineering, quality, qualification and validation, supply chain, organizational design and supporting functions.

Responsibilities / Tasks

• Lead end‑to‑end site transformation programs across all relevant workstreams, from diagnosis through implementation and stabilization
• Diagnose current performance and define quantified improvement targets across productivity, lead time, quality, delivery reliability, capacity utilization and operational cost
• Develop future‑state operating models covering organizational structures, cross‑functional processes, manufacturing layouts, workplace design and material flows together with local teams
• Translate the future‑state design into integrated workstreams, implementation roadmaps, milestones and governance routines
• Drive implementation across operations, engineering, quality, qualification and validation, supply chain and supporting functions, with particular focus on critical cross‑functional interfaces
• Apply fit‑for‑purpose Lean and operational excellence methods, including 5S, standard work, visual management, structured problem‑solving and daily performance management
• Align site leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders, resolve implementation barriers and maintain execution momentum
• Establish transparent KPI and benefit tracking, identify deviations and drive corrective action
• Coach local teams and managers to embed new ways of working and ensure sustainable results

Your Profile / Qualifications

You combine a strategic perspective with a hands‑on, implementation‑focused approach. You can engage and challenge stakeholders at all levels, create momentum and guide organizations through complex operational change. You also bring:

• A master’s degree in industrial engineering or a comparable technical or operations‑related discipline
• Several years of relevant experience in operational excellence, manufacturing engineering or transformation management, including a proven track record of leading complex site transformation programs and delivering measurable results
• Experience in engineer‑to‑order or similarly engineering‑driven manufacturing environments, including a sound understanding of the interfaces between engineering, production, quality, qualification and validation
• Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, operational performance management and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with manufacturing layout optimization, workplace design, capacity planning and end‑to‑end production flows
• Excellent project, change and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence without direct line authority
• Strong analytical capabilities and experience with KPI and benefit tracking, combined with a pragmatic and results‑oriented approach
• Experience working across countries and cultures in an international manufacturing environment
• Fluency in English
• Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis and spend substantial time at production sites

Our offer

At GEA, you’ll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the performance of our production operations worldwide. You will work with talented colleagues across disciplines, contribute to strategic improvement initiatives, and help shape the future of manufacturing excellence. We offer:

• An international role with significant visibility and impact.
• Challenging transformation projects across multiple production locations.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A collaborative and innovative working environment.
• A competitive compensation and benefits package.

About GEA

GEA is one of the largest suppliers of process technology for the food industry and a wide range of other industries. The international technology group focuses on process technology and components for sophisticated production processes in various end‑user markets.