Director Group Operations Excellence & Transformation (f/m/d)

Softgarden; Möckmühl; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development possibilities

Attractive working time schemes

Variety of fringe benefits

Job summary

Softgarden seeks an experienced Operational Excellence leader to drive international programs across production sites. You will develop a group-wide Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement strategy and identify site optimization initiatives to boost productivity, quality, and efficiency.

The role requires managing CAPEX and investment projects, establishing KPI frameworks and governance, and guiding multi-site transformations with strong leadership, planning, and stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications

• University degree in mechanical/industrial/production engineering or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years experience in an international industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record leading Operational Excellence, Lean Transformation, and continuous improvement programs.
• Experience managing complex, multi-site transformation and investment projects.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and change management capabilities.
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to implementation.
• Business-fluent German and English.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 50%).

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive international Operational Excellence programs across all production sites.
• Develop and implement a group-wide Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement strategy.
• Identify and execute site optimization initiatives to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and overall plant performance.
• Manage and oversee CAPEX and strategic investment projects.
• Establish and standardize KPI frameworks, performance management systems, and shopfloor management practices across the organization.
• Conduct manufacturing benchmarking activities and facilitate best-practice sharing between sites.
• Lead operational workstreams during site integrations, acquisitions, and post-merger integration projects.
• Coach and support local plant management teams and cross-functional project teams in implementing improvement initiatives.
• Build and implement a group-wide project management framework and governance model.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Commercial, Finance, and HR stakeholders to deliver sustainable business impact

Skills

Lean transformation leadership

Multi-site project management

Change management

Stakeholder management

Strategic mindset

Analytical skills

German & English fluency

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Production Engineering or related

Job description

Your responsibilities

• Lead and drive international Operational Excellence programs across all production sites.
• Develop and implement a group-wide Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement strategy.
• Identify and execute site optimization initiatives to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and overall plant performance.
• Manage and oversee CAPEX and strategic investment projects.
• Establish and standardize KPI frameworks, performance management systems, and shopfloor management practices across the organization.
• Conduct manufacturing benchmarking activities and facilitate best-practice sharing between sites.
• Lead operational workstreams during site integrations, acquisitions, and post-merger integration projects.
• Coach and support local plant management teams and cross-functional project teams in implementing improvement initiatives.
• Build and implement a group-wide project management framework and governance model.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Commercial, Finance, and HR stakeholders to deliver sustainable business impact

Your skills

• University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years experience in an international industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of successfully leading Operational Excellence, Lean Transformation, and continuous improvement programs.
• Strong experience managing complex, multi-site transformation and investment projects.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and change management capabilities.
• Strategic mindset combined with a hands-on approach to implementation.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.
• Business-fluent German and English.
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 50%).

We offer

• Training and development possibilities
• Attractive working time schemes
• Variety of fringe benefits

We have exciting plans for our future and offer fascinating areas of responsibility at an international successful group of companies.